Phrase guide

rake 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 call to task or to reprimand severely.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • She raked him over the coals for lying to her.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

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.