expression, godan verb (-u)
to be scolded; to get a telling-off
Idiomatic expression mainly used in theatrical or dramatic contexts, often implying a harsh reprimand. The literal meaning is 'to eat dregs/lees', but it figuratively means to receive a scolding.
あの役者は舞台で失敗して、楽屋で師匠に糟を食った。
That actor messed up on stage and got a scolding from his master in the dressing room.
Standard kanji spelling for this idiomatic expression.
Kana spelling of the first part is common in everyday writing.
Standard passive verb for 'to be scolded', used in everyday situations. 糟を食う is an idiomatic and theatrical expression.
The expression literally means 'to eat lees (dregs)', which figuratively came to mean receiving a scolding, possibly from the idea of swallowing something unpleasant. The exact origin is uncertain.