rap (someone) on/over/across the knuckles
phrase
: to criticize or punish (someone) in a gentle way for doing something wrong
The boss rapped me on the knuckles for missing the meeting.
Cite this Entry
“Rap (someone) on/over/across the knuckles.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rap%20%28someone%29%20on%2Fover%2Facross%20the%20knuckles. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
