Dutch uncle

Dutch uncle
   someone who reproves you sharply or gives you solemn advice, unlike the supposed geniality of real uncles
    I talked to him like a Dutch uncle. It doesn't seem to have done him any good. (Baron, 1948)

How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms. . 2014.

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  • Dutch uncle — is a term for a person who issues frank, harsh, and severe comments and criticism to educate, encourage, or admonish someone. Thus, a Dutch uncle is a person who is rather the reverse of what is normally thought of as avuncular or uncle like… …   Wikipedia

  • Dutch Uncle — is a Western novel written by American author Marilyn Durham and published in 1973. The novel followed up Durham s great success with her debut novel, The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing, another Western also published by Harcourt. The protagonist,… …   Wikipedia

  • dutch uncle — A Dutch uncle is a person who gives unwelcome advice …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • Dutch uncle — noun count INFORMAL someone who advises or criticizes a younger person in a severe way …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • Dutch uncle — ► NOUN informal, chiefly N. Amer. ▪ a person giving firm but benevolent advice …   English terms dictionary

  • Dutch uncle — n. Informal a person who bluntly and sternly lectures or scolds someone, often with benevolent intent …   English World dictionary

  • Dutch uncle — /dʌtʃ ˈʌŋkəl/ (say duch ungkuhl) noun someone who offers concerned and disinterested advice at length: he talked to me like a Dutch uncle. {? from the stereotype of the Dutch and Germans as being sober and severe} …  

  • Dutch uncle — n. someone who gives avuncular advice; a man who gives advice with the directness of one of one’s own relatives. □ If I can be a Dutch uncle for a minute, I could give you some good advice. □ Dutch uncles can be as big of a pain as parents …   Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions

  • dutch uncle —    A Dutch uncle is a person who gives unwelcome advice.   (Dorking School Dictionary) …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • Dutch uncle —   A Dutch uncle is a person who gives unwelcome advice …   Dictionary of English idioms

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