What Does "Raked Over the Coals" Mean?
The idiomatic expression “raked over the coals” is a common English phrase used to describe a situation where someone is being subjected to intense criticism, scrutiny, or humiliation, often in a public or formal setting. The phrase is thought to have originated from the medieval practice of punishing heretics by dragging them over hot coals, causing severe burns and discomfort.
In modern usage, the phrase is often used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is being interrogated, grilled, or lectured, often to the point of embarrassment or discomfort. For example, “The politician was raked over the coals during the press conference for his handling of the scandal.”
Origin and History
The phrase “raked over the coals” has its roots in the medieval practice of punishment, where heretics or those deemed guilty of a crime were dragged over hot coals as a form of torture. This practice was often used to extract confessions or to punish those who refused to recant their beliefs.
Over time, the phrase evolved to become a metaphor for any situation where someone was being subjected to intense scrutiny or criticism. In the 17th century, the phrase began to be used in a more figurative sense, describing situations where someone was being “grilled” or “roasted” with questions or criticism.
Examples of Usage
Here are a few examples of how the phrase “raked over the coals” might be used in different contexts:
- “The CEO was raked over the coals by the board of directors for his poor handling of the company’s finances.”
- “The student was raked over the coals by his teacher for his poorly written essay.”
- “The politician was raked over the coals during the debate for his stance on the controversial issue.”
💡 Note: The phrase "raked over the coals" can also be used in a more informal sense to describe a situation where someone is being teased or playfully ridiculed. For example, "I got raked over the coals by my friends for wearing that ugly shirt."
Synonyms and Related Phrases
Here are a few synonyms and related phrases that can be used in place of “raked over the coals”:
- Grilled
- Roasted
- Interrogated
- Lectured
- Scolded
- Berated
- Taken to task
Idiomatic Expressions Related to "Raked Over the Coals"
Here are a few idiomatic expressions that are related to “raked over the coals” and can be used in similar contexts:
- “In the hot seat”: This phrase describes a situation where someone is being questioned or scrutinized, often in a formal or public setting.
- “On the spot”: This phrase describes a situation where someone is being questioned or challenged, often in a sudden or unexpected way.
- “Under fire”: This phrase describes a situation where someone is being criticized or attacked, often in a public or formal setting.
Conclusion
The idiomatic expression “raked over the coals” is a powerful and evocative phrase that can be used to describe situations where someone is being subjected to intense criticism, scrutiny, or humiliation. Whether used in a formal or informal setting, the phrase is sure to convey a sense of discomfort and discomfort.
What is the origin of the phrase “raked over the coals”?
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The phrase “raked over the coals” originated from the medieval practice of punishing heretics by dragging them over hot coals.
How is the phrase “raked over the coals” used in modern language?
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The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is being subjected to intense criticism, scrutiny, or humiliation.
What are some synonyms for the phrase “raked over the coals”?
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Synonyms for the phrase include “grilled”, “roasted”, “interrogated”, “lectured”, and “scolded”.
