[teach] {sb} a lesson
1
to hurt or punish someone in a way that ensures one they will never repeat their past behavior
The origin of the idiom "teach someone a lesson" can be traced back to the notion of imparting knowledge or wisdom through experience. Teaching, in this context, refers to educating someone about the consequences of their actions. The idiom likely evolved over time as a metaphorical expression to describe the act of ensuring that someone learns from their mistakes or wrongdoing by subjecting them to a situation that serves as a lesson. It is often used in situations where someone has behaved inappropriately, hurt others, or committed a wrongdoing.
- After his reckless driving caused an accident, he finally learned his lesson about the importance of safe driving.
- The manager decided to teach the lazy employee a lesson by assigning him extra tasks.
- The mischievous child was taught a valuable lesson about honesty when his mother discovered he had been lying.
- When the athlete violated team rules, the coach benched him to teach him a lesson about discipline.
- The dishonest business owner was caught and fined heavily, serving as a lesson to others who considered unethical practices.