| 释义 |
rake (one) over the coals rake (one) over the coalsTo scold, reprimand, or reprove one severely for an error or mistake. I was raked over the coals by my boss last week for messing up the accounting software. I know Mary messed up, but don't rake her over the coals too hard for it.See also: coal, over, rakerake someone over the coals and haul someone over the coalsFig. to give someone a severe scolding. My mother hauled me over the coals for coming in late last night. The manager raked me over the coals for being late again.See also: coal, over, rakerake over the coalsAlso, haul over the coals. Reprimand severely, as in When Dad finds out about the damage to the car, he's sure to rake Peter over the coals, or The coach hauled him over the coals for missing practice. These terms allude to the medieval torture of pulling a heretic over red-hot coals. [Early 1800s] See also: coal, over, rakerake over (old) coals (or rake over the ashes) revive the memory of a past event which is best forgotten. chiefly BritishSee also: coal, over, rake rake over the coals To reprimand severely.See also: coal, over, rakerake over the coalsSee haul over the coals.See also: coal, over, rake |