woodshed

noun

1. An enclosed, roofed structure, often an outbuilding, used primarily to store firewood.
2. (informal)A place where punishments or reprimands are administered.

   “The State Department is incensed, and if this conference fails it will be the woodshed for three Central American presidents.”

   “Were you ever taken to the woodshed? Did anyone say, “Stop disagreeing with the president”?”

verb

1. (slang)To practice or rehearse using a musical instrument.

   “Recently, I have taken up the double bass again, but because time and neglect erode ability, calluses turn soft, and muscle memory fades, I need to woodshed (practice) to get back into shape and build up my chops.”

2. (slang)To practice or rehearse a script.

   “In previous chapters, I've covered many ways to woodshed a script and dozens of techniques for bringing the words to life. Now, I'm going to suggest something completely different: Try performing your script completely cold the first time through.”

3. To self-isolate in order to work on one's artistic development or to produce work without interruptions.

   “His latest novel sheds light on an émigré writer’s woodshedding period.”