give someone the gears

English

Verb

give someone the gears (third-person singular simple present gives someone the gears, present participle giving someone the gears, simple past gave someone the gears, past participle given someone the gears)

1. (Canada, slang) To scold or criticize someone.
   • 2014, Dianne Linden, Peacekeepers:

     Then Mr. Melnyk pointed out that we probably wouldn't have electricity. Someone else said she'd take a blanket so she could sleep and stay warm. Then a guy asked if he could share it. Mr. Melnyk gave him the gears […]