Phrase guide

haul someone over the coals

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To express anger with someone in no uncertain terms when they do something wrong.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK, idiomatic

Examples

  • The teacher hauled him over the coals for not doing his homework.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

In reference to a punishment once meted out to heretics.