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大目玉を食う (おおめだまをくう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-u)
get a severe scolding ; get chewed out
Colloquial expression for receiving a harsh reprimand, often from a superior. The literal image is 'eating a big eyeball,' implying being stared at angrily. Compare with 大目玉を食らう, which is synonymous.
See also: 大目玉を食らう
遅ち 刻こく し たら 部ぶ 長ちょう に 大おお 目め 玉だま を 食く う ぞ 。
If you're late, you'll get chewed out by the department head.
Written forms 大おお 目め 玉だま を 食く う
Standard kanji-kana mixed spelling.
大おお 目め 玉だま をくう
Kana spelling of the verb part; less common but seen in casual writing.
Similar words 大おお 目め 玉だま を 食く らう Synonymous; 食らう is a more emphatic or rougher verb for 'to eat/receive,' making the expression slightly more intense or vulgar.
叱しか られる Standard neutral verb for 'to be scolded.' 大目玉を食う is more colloquial and vivid.
Etymology The phrase literally means 'to eat a big eyeball,' figuratively describing being subjected to an angry glare and harsh words. The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely derives from the image of a superior staring fiercely while scolding.
