Crossword Genius

Trio ruined performance, getting severe reprimand (4,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

riot act

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'severe reprimand' is the definition.
'riot act' can be an answer for 'reprimand' (riot act is a kind of reprimand). I am not sure about the 'severe' bit.

'trio ruined performance getting' is the wordplay.
'ruined' is an anagram indicator.
'performance' becomes 'act' (act is a kind of performance).
'getting' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'trio' with letters rearranged gives 'riot'.
'riot'+'act'='RIOT ACT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for riot act that I've seen before include "measure to keep order" , "Statute against rowdy behaviour" , "This is read for a severe warning" , "Citator may read this as stern rebuke" , "One read to the unruly once" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.