# haul someone over the coals

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/haul-someone-over-the-coals
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To express anger with someone in no uncertain terms when they do something wrong.

## Examples

- My boss hauled me over the coals for being late again.
- My parents haul me over the coals if I forget to lock the door.
- The manager hauled the team over the coals after they missed the important project deadline.
- The coach hauled the players over the coals in the locker room because they did not follow the game plan.
- The committee will haul the local council members over the coals for wasting the public budget on unnecessary decorations.
- Following the disastrous financial report, the board of directors hauled the chief executive over the coals to explain the company's sudden losses.

## Origin

The expression refers to a mediaeval ordeal formerly used as a punishment for heretics. The accused was forced to walk over or was dragged through a bed of glowing embers; if they survived the transit without significant injury, it was taken as a sign of divine intervention and a proof of their innocence. The ecclesiastical utility of the practice eventually waned, leaving the phrase to describe a purely verbal reprimand.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.