Definitions
There are 2 meanings of the phrase
Riot Act.
Riot Act - as a noun
A former english law requiring mobs to disperse after a magistrate reads the law to them
A vigorous reprimand
Example: "I read him the riot act"
Example Sentences
"After the riots downtown, the police chief read the riot act to the unruly crowd."
"The teacher read the riot act to the students who were misbehaving in class."
"The manager had to read the riot act to a group of employees who were consistently late."
"When the neighborhood kids started causing trouble, the local resident read them the riot act."
"The principal read the riot act to the students who were involved in a fight at school."
