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rake over the coals. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
rake over the coals, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
rake over the coals in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
rake over the coals you have here. The definition of the word
rake over the coals will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
rake over the coals, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
The earliest example given is from 1565: "S. Augustine, that knewe best how to fetche an heretike ouer the coles." (OED). (Can this(+) etymology be sourced?) From the practice of dragging or raking heretics over coals performed by the Catholic Church as a form of torture.
Pronunciation
Verb
rake over the coals (third-person singular simple present rakes over the coals, present participle raking over the coals, simple past and past participle raked over the coals)
- (idiomatic) To call to task or to reprimand severely.
She raked him over the coals for lying to her.
Synonyms
References