rake over the coals

English

Etymology

The earliest example given is from 1565: "S. Augustine, that knewe best how to fetche an heretike ouer the coles." (OED). From the practice of dragging or raking heretics over coals performed by the Catholic Church as a form of torture.

Verb

rake over the coals

(idiomatic) To call to task or to reprimand severely.

References

Oxford English Dictionary
Your Dictionary.com
rake over the coals at OneLook Dictionary Search

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