down the banks
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A severe criticism, scolding, reprimand, or punishment.
Register: dated, slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Independent woters ain't the chalk—and the K. Ns. has done it!— They've spiled the trade. Sam's done it—Amerikins has done it! Take 'em up for interfeerin' with other people's bisness. Give 'em down the banks; send em up ninety days; give em that,"—and he struck straight out at an imaginary head, wi
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “down the banks” mean?
A severe criticism, scolding, reprimand, or punishment.
Is “down the banks” formal or informal?
down the banks is generally dated, slang.