What does “Rake someone over the coals” mean?
"Rake someone over the coals" means to scold or criticize someone severely.
What context can I use the in?
Example
After the mistake, the boss raked him over the coals in front of the entire team.
Example
The teacher raked the student over the coals for not completing the assignment.
Example
She was raked over the coals by her parents for coming home late
Is “Rake someone over the coals” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Rake someone over the coals” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Rake someone over the coals” effectively in context?
You can use "Rake (Someone) Over the Coals" to describe a situation where someone is being harshly criticized or reprimanded. It emphasizes the severity and intensity of the criticism. For example, if a friend tells you about a difficult meeting with their boss, you might say, 'Sounds like your boss really raked you over the coals.'
- 1Work
After the mistake, the boss raked him over the coals in front of the entire team.
- 2Education
The teacher raked the student over the coals for not completing the assignment.
- 3Sports
The coach raked the players over the coals for their poor performance in the game.
Similar phrases to “Rake someone over the coals”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Rake someone over the coals” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Rake (Someone) Over the Coals" is unknown.
Is “Rake someone over the coals” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Rake (Someone) Over the Coals" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone is being severely criticized or reprimanded.
What tone does “Rake someone over the coals” have?
"Rake (Someone) Over the Coals" conveys a tone of strong disapproval and criticism. It implies that the person being criticized is being subjected to intense scrutiny and harsh judgment.
Can “Rake someone over the coals” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Rake (Someone) Over the Coals" is a relatively formal expression. It is commonly used in professional settings, such as in the workplace or in educational contexts. However, it can also be used in informal conversations among friends or family members.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The manager raked him over the coals for his poor performance.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He really got "raked over the coals"!' to imply severe criticism.
