(archaic, offensive) To express curses upon (somebody), when irked or wroth, as though wishing someone "a pox". / (humorous, said alternatively with of) To hell with (abstract or unalive things).

present participle of give someone a speaking to

(idiomatic) To scold a person.

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of give someone a speaking to

In an angry or annoyed state, feeling angry or upset.

(music) With the beat. A direction to resume strict time after the free declamation of a singer; chiefly used in recitatives. It is equivalent to a tempo.

(UK, naval, slang, dated) To mess about; to idle instead of working.

(slang) To accept something very eagerly.

(simile, informal) riotously colorful

(simile) Very strong.