rake somebody over the coals
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haul somebody over the coals — haul sb over the ˈcoals idiom (BrE) (NAmE rake sb over the ˈcoals) to criticize sb severely because they have done sth wrong • I was hauled over the coals by my boss for being late. Main e … Useful english dictionary
haul — haul1 [ho:l US ho:l] v [T] [Date: 1200 1300; : French; Origin: haler to pull ] 1.) to pull something heavy with a continuous steady movement haul sth off/onto/out of etc sth ▪ She hauled her backpack onto her back. ▪ the steam locomotive which… … Dictionary of contemporary English
literature — /lit euhr euh cheuhr, choor , li treuh /, n. 1. writings in which expression and form, in connection with ideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristic or essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography, and essays. 2.… … Universalium
