raked over the coals
Severely scolded someone
Raked over the coals means severely criticized or reprimanded: The manager raked him over the coals for missing the deadline.
The image is of someone dragged across burning coals as punishment.
Also appears as *hauled* over the coals, more common in British English.
The phrase always implies a harsh scolding, usually from someone in authority.
- reprimandedOfficially expressed disapproval
- read the riot actSeverely warn of consequences
- read someone the riot actHarshly warn about behavior
- chew outReprimand severely
- lambasteScold with ferocity
lay into · chastise · rebuke · dress down · blame · admonish · shame · upbraid · take to task · call on the carpet · carpeted · berate · scold · call out · censure · give someone hell · punishment · put through the wringer
raked over the coalscommended
Expressed approval of
lauded · applauded · extolled · celebrated · complimented
raked over the coalsforgiven
Granted mercy for wrongdoing
let off the hook · pardoned · excused · absolved · let slide
raked over the coalshandled with kid gloves
Treated with excessive caution
coddled · pampered · mollycoddled · cushioned