GIVE THE THIRD DEGREE Meaning and
Definition
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To give someone the third degree is an idiomatic expression that means to subject them to an intense and persistent interrogation or questioning, often in a harsh or confrontational manner. It is an informal term derived from the earlier notion of degrees of intensity, specifically referring to the third and deepest level of questioning. When someone is given the third degree, they are being intensely scrutinized, cross-examined, or interrogated in order to extract information or uncover the truth.
The phrase often implies an aggressive and relentless line of questioning, characterized by a barrage of inquiries aimed at discomfiting the subject and testing their endurance. It can involve a series of repetitive and challenging questions designed to probe the person's knowledge, statements, or actions, often with the intention of catching them in a lie or forcing them to reveal further information.
The origins of the idiom can be traced back to the early 20th century, where it was commonly used in police detective novels and films to illustrate the rigorous investigative techniques employed by law enforcement officers. Over time, the expression has expanded beyond criminal investigations and is now used more broadly to describe any situation where intense questioning or scrutiny is employed, whether it be by authorities, journalists, or even friends and family members seeking information.
Common Misspellings for GIVE THE THIRD DEGREE
- g ive the third degree
- gi ve the third degree
- giv e the third degree
- give t he third degree
- give th e third degree
- give the t hird degree
- give the th ird degree
- give the thi rd degree
- give the thir d degree
- give the third d egree
- give the third de gree
- give the third deg ree
- give the third degr ee
- give the third degre e
