rake (someone) over the coals

phrase

informal
: to criticize (someone) very severely
The government was then raked over the coals for refusing to send out information about the candidates.The Economist

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Cite this Entry

“Rake (someone) over the coals.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rake%20%28someone%29%20over%20the%20coals. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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