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ride on a rail

idiom

To be subjected to a punishment most prevalent in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries in which an offender was made to straddle a fence rail held on the shoulders of two or more bearers. The victim was then paraded around town or taken to the city limits and dumped by the roadside.


Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    free ride

    An opportunity or benefit which has no cost, especially one enjoyed or undertaken at the expense of others.

  2. 02

    full ride

    A scholarship that covers all tuition, and in some cases fees or other educational and living expenses as well.

  3. 03

    go along for the ride

    To accompany someone in a passive manner, or to take a relatively passive or detached role in a project or group activity.

  4. 04

    Nantucket sleigh ride

    An instance of the dragging of a whaleboat across the surface of a body of water by a harpooned whale.

  5. 05

    put the bottom rail on top

    To reverse a hierarchy.

  6. 06

    ride down

    To cause (a horse) to fall when riding.

  7. 07

    ride hard and put away wet

    To mistreat (someone or something); to not properly care for.

  8. 08

    ride herd on

    To supervise.

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