I was in for another telling-off.

[piousoul]

"Indie! Can I have a quick word please?" Miss Levy(Indie's teacher) asked.

Drat, I was in for another telling-off.

"Yes, Miss Levy?" I blinked, feeling myself go pink.



Is it suitable to rephrase the line in bold as the following:

Drat, I was in (the situation, condition) for another telling-off? If not, what other way would you say that?

Second, I seldom heard Americans say "Drat." Was it commonly used by English only?

Thanks.

[Anglika]

I was in line for another telling off would be better.

"Drat" is rarely heard now - it is very old, ORIGIN shortening of od rat, a euphemism for God rot.

[piousoul]

I was in line for another telling off would be better.

"Drat" is rarely heard now - it is very old, ORIGIN shortening of od rat, a euphemism for God rot.

Yes, I concur with you that I was in line for another telling off works better.
Thanks for the enlightenment, Anglika.

[BobK]

Also 'dratted' - must be a back-formation though, as 'drat' means 'God rot.

b