The idiom "rake someone over the coals" means to scold or criticize someone severely for something they have done wrong. It is often used when someone has made a mistake or done something that is considered unacceptable, and they are being held accountable for their actions.
The phrase "rake over the coals" comes from the practice of punishing someone by making them walk over hot coals. In modern usage, it means to subject someone to a harsh and unpleasant interrogation or criticism.
For example, if a student plagiarized a paper, their teacher might "rake them over the coals" for their dishonesty. Or if an employee made a costly mistake at work, their boss might "rake them over the coals" for their carelessness.
It's important to note that this phrase is quite strong and should be used with caution. It implies a level of severity and intensity in the criticism or scolding that is being given.
• My boss raked me over the coals for being late to work.
• The teacher raked the student over the coals for cheating on the exam.
• The media is raking the politician over the coals for his controversial remarks.
• The CEO was raked over the coals by shareholders for the company's poor financial performance.
• The lawyer raked the witness over the coals during cross-examination.
• When I was a child, my mom would rake me over the coals if I didn't do my chores.
• When I missed the important meeting, my boss raked me over the coals in front of everyone. (past continuous)
• The newspaper editor raked the journalist over the coals for publishing an inaccurate story. (past perfect continuous)
• The CEO raked the project manager over the coals for not meeting the deadline. (present perfect continuous)
• The judge raked the defendant over the coals for lying in court. (present perfect)
• The teacher raked the students over the coals for not doing their homework. (simple present)
• I accidentally broke my mom's favorite vase, and she raked me over the coals for it. (simple past)