Crossword Genius

Severe dressing-down (4,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

riot act

(Other definitions for riot act that I've seen before include "legislation delivered to the mob" , "something read to little devils?" , "what constitutes warning" , "Old law designed to disperse a mob" , "It's read in the face of disturbances" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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