haul/rake over the coals, to
Definition: To administer a severe reprimand. The term alludes to the medieval practice of pulling an alleged heretic over the coals of a slow fire, which is described in numerous sixteenth-century church chronicles. By the early nineteenth century the term had been transferred to more benign kinds of punishment, often signifying only a severe scolding.
Example: “I knew I’d be hauled over the coals for missing the deadline.”
Related Expressions:
- Give someone a dressing down: To severely criticize or scold someone.
- Read the riot act: To reprimand someone severely and warn them to stop behaving badly.
- Bite someone’s head off: To respond with a sharp or angry retort.
Synonyms:
- Scold
- Berate
- Rebuke
- Castigate
Antonyms:
- Praise
- Commend
- Compliment
- Applaud
Humor-Filled Quote: “Getting hauled over the coals at work? At least you’re the hot topic of the day!” 😂
Proverb: “A sharp tongue does far more damage than a sharp sword.”
Literature Reference: Byron’s poem “Beppo” (1818) includes the line, “They’d haul o’er the coals.”
Books:
- Moby-Dick by Herman Melville (Ishmael is often raked over the coals by Captain Ahab).
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Amy gets a dressing down for burning Jo’s manuscript).
Songs:
- Take the Power Back by Rage Against the Machine (embodying the spirit of standing up to reprimands).
Movies:
- Whiplash (2014): A fiery example of a teacher hauling his student over the coals.
Inspirational Thought: “Be kind to unkind people, they need it the most. But if you must haul over the coals, ensure there’s a phoenix rising from the ashes.”
Quizzes:
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