Read the riot act

The phrase "read the riot act" refers to officially admonishing or criticizing someone for their unruly behavior and warning them to stop. It originates from the Riot Act, a British law passed in 1714 that granted authorities the power to disperse an unruly crowd by reading a proclamation declaring it as an illegal assembly. By "reading the riot act" to someone, it metaphorically implies giving them a stern reprimand or ultimatum, emphasizing the consequences if their behavior continues.