haul (someone) over the coals
phrase
informal
: to criticize (someone) very severely
The Headmaster was angry. So angry, indeed, that he did what in a more lucid interval he would not have done. He hauled a senior over the coals in the hearing of a number of juniors …—P. G. Wodehouse
Cite this Entry
“Haul (someone) over the coals.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haul%20%28someone%29%20over%20the%20coals. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
