He forced himself to pay attention to the stern words that followed.

She could shoot men down with stern words or a look.

"I think I'd better have a stern word with that son of mine."

She could cut me down with a few stern words.

The stern words and punishment seemed to have the desired effect.

Sometimes a stern word or two had the effect of showing them who was boss.

And he had some stern words for the back who lets his mouth run like a raging river.

A stern word from a bulky official puts you right in no time, though.

Despite the stern words, there is very little the Clinton Administration can do to force concessions.

City officials took them down, with some stern words.