Haul somebody over the coals

usgb
phrase

To criticize someone severely for their actions.

After that incident, his boss hauled him over the coals for his unprofessional conduct.
Visual representation of "haul somebody over the coals" - To criticize someone severely for their actions

Often appears as...

  • haul over the coals for negligence
  • haul someone over the coals in a meeting

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "haul somebody over the coals"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Strong Disapproval

This phrase suggests a strong disapproval of someone's actions, often in a formal or serious manner.

Illustration for Strong Disapproval
When the project failed, the committee hauled the manager over the coals for poor leadership.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

This idiom is figurative and does not involve actual coals; it describes a verbal, not physical, scolding.

Illustration for Not Literal
The teacher didn't literally haul him over the coals; she just gave him a stern lecture about plagiarism.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Authority Figures

Often used when someone in a position of authority is scolding or reprimanding someone below them.

Illustration for Authority Figures
The veteran player hauled the rookie over the coals for not following the team strategy.
Visual representation of the word "Haul somebody over the coals"

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