English Explanatory Dictionary

rake over the coals

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To call to task or to reprimand severely.

Pronunciation

En-au-rake over the coals.ogg

Word forms

rake over the coals rakes over the coals raking over the coals raked over the coals

Etymology

The earliest example given is from 1565: "S. Augustine, that knewe best how to fetche an heretike ouer the coles." (OED). From the practice of dragging or raking heretics over coals performed by the Catholic Church as a form of torture.

Synonyms

haul someone over the coals
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