call on the carpet
Summon for scolding
To call someone on the carpet is to summon them for a reprimand, typically from a position of authority.
The image is of an employee standing on the carpet in a boss's office while being scolded: The manager called him on the carpet for missing the deadline.
The phrase implies a formal dressing-down rather than casual criticism.
- berateCriticize severely and lengthily
- chew outReprimand severely
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- scoldRebuke harshly
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
give an earful · upbraid · castigate · chide · tell off · lambaste · read the riot act · verbal lashing · admonish · punishment · take to task · dress down · correction · authority figure · reproach · tongue-lashing · accountability · face the music