Reprimands or checks (5,3)
I believe the answer is:
ticks off
This might be a double definition.
'reprimands' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't understand how one could define the other.
'checks' is the second definition.
('tick off' can be a synonym of 'check')
'or' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ticks off that I've seen before include "may be seconds away" , "Checks - upbraids" , "Carpets" .)