withering remark
noun phrase · Collocation / phrase C2
Plain meaning
a remark that strongly criticises or humiliates someone
Exam-register meaning
a cutting or contemptuous comment that diminishes its target
In context
naturalHer withering remark silenced the room.
examThe author uses withering remarks to expose the hypocrisy of the elite.
Common collocations
withering remarkwithering glancewithering criticism
Watch out
Withering here is figurative; it does not mean literally drying up.
Word family
wither (verb)withering (adjective)