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お目玉を食らう (おめだまをくらう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-u)
get a good scolding ; get chewed out
Colloquial expression meaning to receive a severe scolding, often from a superior or elder. The phrase literally means 'to eat a big eyeball', but is used idiomatically.
See also: 大目玉を食らう
遅ち 刻こく し たら 、 部ぶ 長ちょう に お 目め 玉だま を 食く らう よ 。
If you're late, you'll get chewed out by the department head.
Similar words 大おお 目め 玉だま を 食く らう A more emphatic version meaning 'to get a very severe scolding'. お目玉を食らう is slightly milder and more commonly used in everyday speech.
叱しか られる The standard neutral verb for 'to be scolded'. お目玉を食らう is a more colorful, colloquial alternative.
Etymology The phrase literally means 'to eat a (honorific) eyeball', but the exact origin is uncertain. It likely derives from the image of being stared at angrily or receiving a harsh glare, which metaphorically extends to a severe scolding.
