noun
Uncommon
lumps
Lumps (noun) means Informal: a physical beating, or harsh verbal criticism. Example: “He took his lumps quietly rather than argue with the referee.”
noun
1
Informal: a physical beating, or harsh verbal criticism.
"Trudeau has suffered the lumps any politician who has held office for ten years can expect to accumulate"
— Time (1978)
"He's taken his lumps over the years."
"He took his lumps quietly rather than argue with the referee."
"The startup took its lumps in the press after the product launch flopped."
How to use lumps
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGetting beaten up, or taking harsh criticism/punishment, used informally.
When to use it
Informal/idiomatic, typically in the phrase "take your lumps."
Common pairings
take your lumps
take some lumps
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He took his _____ quietly rather than argue with the referee.
Rhymes for lumps
See all rhymes for lumps →Frequently asked questions
What does “lumps” mean?
The word “lumps” means informal: a physical beating, or harsh verbal criticism. In plain terms, getting beaten up, or taking harsh criticism/punishment, used informally.
How do you use “lumps” in a sentence?
Here is “lumps” used in a sentence: “He took his lumps quietly rather than argue with the referee.”
What part of speech is “lumps”?
“Lumps” is a noun.
Is “lumps” a common word?
“Lumps” is an uncommon word in modern English.
