The Third Degree Meaning

Give someone or get the third degree designates a close interrogation.

The use of the phrase is derived from the brutal form of police interrogation of the same name, well-known in the American crime fiction.

The origin of the phrase may refer to the third degree of Freemasonry and the rigorous procedures to advance to that level.

Example: I don't know why you always give me the third degree every time I hang out with my friends.