la del pulpo
Spanish
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Literally, “the one of the octopus"; more accurately, "the octopus treatment”. Octopuses are often given a beating when prepared to ensure that their meat stays tender before and after cooking.
Noun
[edit]la del pulpo f (uncountable)
- (idiomatic) a severe scolding or reprimand; a ticking-off
- Se ha reunido con el jefe y le ha dado la del pulpo por lo de los informes.
- He has had a meeting with the boss and he was given a real ticking-off for the trouble with the reports.
- (idiomatic, uncountable, dated) a beating, usually given to a child by his parents