# rake over the coals

idiom

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

## Meaning

To call to task or to reprimand severely.

## Examples

- The boss raked him over the coals for being late.
- After the project failed, the manager raked the entire team over the coals during the meeting.
- The committee raked the director over the coals for his poor financial decisions, demanding a full explanation for the missing funds.

## Origin

The earliest example given is from 1565: "S. Augustine, that knewe best how to fetche an heretike ouer the coles." (OED). From the practice of dragging or raking heretics over coals performed by the Catholic Church as a form of torture.

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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.