rake over the coals

carry coals to Newcastle

To do something that is unneeded or redundant.

coals to Newcastle

A pointless venture, in the sense of sending something to a place where it is made, or where they already have an abundance.

haul someone over the coals

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

rake over

To discuss something unpleasant from the past.

rake together

To collect, assemble or gather small amounts (especially of money), from various sources, with some difficulty

step on a rake

To fall victim to an avoidable (usually self-caused) hazard or error.