Definition of "rap someone's knuckles" in English

Verb

1. to tap one's knuckles on an object such as a desk or wall to attract attention or as a signal of commmunication.

   • Just rap your knuckles on the wall when you're ready to go.

2. to give someone a punishment.

   • If the sales department doesn't get organized soon, the CEO is going to rap their knuckles.

3. to strike someone on the back of the hand usually as a method of punishment.

   • In the old days the teacher would rap someone's knuckles with a ruler if they misbehaved in class.