My boss hauled me over the coals for being late again.
haul someone over the coals
idiomTo express anger with someone in no uncertain terms when they do something wrong.
Origin
disputed originIn reference to a punishment once meted out to heretics.
The manager hauled the team over the coals after they missed the important project deadline.
Following the disastrous financial report, the board of directors hauled the chief executive over the coals to explain the company's sudden losses.
- 01
as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
- 02
beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
- 03
bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
- 04
bring someone to their knees
To defeat and make submit to orders.
- 05
call someone every name in the book
To call someone many abusive names.
- 06
call someone everything but a child of God
To call someone many abusive names.
- 07
carry coals to Newcastle
To do something that is unneeded or redundant.
- 08
catch someone napping
To take advantage of someone's inattention.