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.

Examples of rap (someone) on/over/across the knuckles in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Still, nobody should be cheering this rap on the knuckles from the IG. — Fred Lucas, National Review, 12 Apr. 2021

Browse Nearby Words

rap someone's knuckles
rap (someone) on/over/across the knuckles
Rapson's slide
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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 30 Jul. 2026.

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