need to be taught a lesson

To deserve some sort of punishment or harm as a means of learning to avoid some unwanted behavior in the future. Anyone who embezzles $150 million needs be taught a lesson, so I hope the court punishes him to the fullest extent of the law. A: "The cat scratched Bobby when he pulled its tail again." B: "I guess Bobby needed to be taught a lesson." "Anyone who messes with my little brother needs to be taught a lesson," Jason said, cracking his knuckles.