jemandem die Leviten lesen
to give someone a stern telling-off; to read someone the riot act
Origin
The expression goes back to the third book of Moses ('Leviticus') with its strict regulations. According to tradition, Bishop Chrodegang of Metz in the 8th century had passages from it read aloud to errant monks as punishment.
Building blocks
Words in this expression
Grammar that uses this word
- Modal verb 'können' (can)Modalverb 'können'
- Modal verb 'wollen' (to want)Modalverb 'wollen'
- Modal verb 'möchten' (would like)Modalverb 'möchten'
- Ordinal numbers 1-19 (-te)Ordinalzahlen 1-19 (-te)
Examples
Als die Kinder die zerbrachen, las ihnen der die Leviten.
When the children broke the vase, their father gave them a proper telling-off.