on the carpet
Facing stern rebuke
On the carpet means being called before an authority figure for reprimand or questioning.
The image is of standing on the carpet in an office while being dressed down: He was on the carpet for missing the deadline.
To call someone on the carpet is to summon them for such a reprimand.
The phrase suggests formal rebuke rather than casual criticism.
- taken to taskCriticized for wrongdoing
- called outVocally summoned or criticized
- reprimandFormal expression of disapproval
- called to accountMade to justify oneself
- admonishmentExpression of disapproval or warning
read the riot act · chastisement · superior · in trouble · accountability · on thin ice · meeting · behind closed doors · discipline · censure · facing the music · rebuke · in the doghouse · correction · formal reprimand · written up · employee · office
on the carpetpraised
Expressed approval of
commended · rewarded · employee of the month · lauded · applauded
on the carpetoff the hook
Released from responsibility
in good standing · in favor · in the clear · sitting pretty · golden child