la del pulpo

a severe scolding, reprimand or beating; heavy rain

“Se ha reunido con el jefe y le ha dado la del pulpo por lo de los informes.” — He has had a meeting with the boss and he was given a real ticking-off for the trouble with the reports.

Related: caer la del pulpo, dar la del pulpo

Literally, “the one of the octopus"; more accurately, "the octopus treatment”. Octopuses are often given a beating when prepared to ensure that their meat stays tender before and after cooking.