naughty step

noun2

1. •
   (UK) A place, such as a particular step on a staircase or a stool, where a child is sent to sit in silence as a punishment.

   • She is still talking to them at length about bringing up children without naughty steps. — 2007
2. •
   (UK, figurative) A state of disgrace, exclusion from a group, or punishment as a result of a misdemeanour.

   • Andy Jackson puts it more bluntly: "Just because we are off the naughty step doesn't mean we can stop doing stuff. It's far from 'no more action'. — 2026