“Haul Over the Coals” 🔥
Definition
“Haul over the coals” means to scold someone severely or to reprimand them for poor behavior or mistakes.
Synonyms
- Reprimand 🔊
- Scold 👿
- Dress down 👨🏫
- Chew out 🍬
- Rebuke ✋
Antonyms
- Praise 🏆
- Commend 👏
- Congratulate 🎉
- Applaud 👏
Related Expressions
- Read the riot act 🚨
- Chew someone up and spit them out 🦷
- Tear a strip off 📃
- Give someone a tongue-lashing 😛
- Give someone a piece of one’s mind 💭
Proverbs and Quotes
- “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” – Originating from Proverbs 13:24, meaning that without discipline, children won’t learn right from wrong.
- “A word to the wise is enough, but a fool needs a few more.” – Humorously implying some need a bit more ‘reminding’ than others.
Usage in Literature, Songs, and Movies
- Literature: Consider George Orwell’s 1984, where houses aren’t the only things haunted; discipline can be just as scalding.
- Songs: Billy Joel’s “Angry Young Man,” where regret and reflection about stern reprimands are highlighted.
- Movies: J.K. Simmons’ role in Whiplash, where “hauling over the coals” would probably be an understatement!
Witty Reflection
It seems we’re all just occasionally tossed over the proverbial coals in life!
Inspirational Farewell
Embrace the warmth of growth from even the fiercest flames of criticism. They’re merely forging stronger steel within you.
### Which phrase means to severely reprimand?
- [x] Haul over the coals
- [ ] Ride the hot rollercoaster
- [ ] Dive into the lava pit
- [ ] Skate on thin heatwaves
> **Explanation:** "Haul over the coals" means to severely reprimand or scold someone, whereas the others are creative nonsense.
### What is the antonym of 'haul over the coals'?
- [ ] Flaming pancake
- [ ] Simmering snowflake
- [ ] Bitter cucumber
- [x] Praise
> **Explanation:** ‘Praise’ is the antonym of ‘haul over the coals,’ as it stands on the opposite spectrum of severe reprimand.
### What’s another similar idiom to 'haul over the coals'?
- [x] Read the riot act
- [ ] Fry the ice cream
- [ ] Converse with shadows
- [ ] Hug the cactus
> **Explanation:** ‘Read the riot act’ is another idiom meaning to seriously scold or reprimand someone.
### True or False: 'Read the owner's manual’ is an idiom similar to 'haul over the coals.'
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely false. Reading the owner's manual is practical advice, not an idiom.
### Which idiom suggests serious criticism?
- [ ] Pat on the back
- [ ] Drink from a straw
- [x] Chew someone out
- [ ] Buy a toy boat
> **Explanation:** "Chew someone out" means to scold or criticize someone fiercely, much like 'haul over the coals.'
