rake over old coals
Revisit past conflicts
To rake over old coals is to revisit past grievances, mistakes, or painful memories—stirring up what had settled.
The image is of poking through ashes looking for remaining heat.
Usually carries a negative connotation, suggesting the revisiting is unproductive or unwelcome: I don't see any point in raking over old coals—we've moved past that.
Also appears as rake over the coals, though that phrase more often means to criticize harshly.
- harp onRepeat tediously, incessantly
- argumentReasoned case or dispute
- stir the potDeliberately create or prolong conflict
- regretSorrow over past actions
- misunderstandingFailure to grasp meaning
bring up again · resentment · guilt · forgiveness · dig up dirt · air dirty laundry · closure · apology · bitterness · beat a dead horse · confrontation · blame · bad blood · reconciliation · estrangement · hold a grudge · dwell on · reminiscence
rake over old coalsmove forward
Travel in intended direction
look ahead · start fresh · move on · turn the page · forge ahead
rake over old coalsforgive and forget
Absolve and dismiss resentment
bury the hatchet · make peace · water under the bridge · let go · let bygones be bygones
rake over old coalslet sleeping dogs lie
Avoid rekindling dormant issues
leave well enough alone · leave it alone · change the subject · keep the peace · bite one's tongue