How to Pronounce "rake over the coals"
expression
ˈɹeɪk/ /ˈoʊvɝ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈkoʊɫz
RAYK OH-vur thuh KOHLZ
ɹˈeɪk/ /ˈəʊvɐ/ /ðə, ði/ /kˈəʊlz
RAYK OH-vuh thuh KOHLZ
Definition
To criticize someone very harshly or to severely scold them, especially for a mistake or wrongdoing.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɹeɪk/ /ˈoʊvɝ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈkoʊɫz
British English
ɹˈeɪk/ /ˈəʊvɐ/ /ðə, ði/ /kˈəʊlz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
RAYK OH-vur thuh KOHLZ
UK
RAYK OH-vuh thuh KOHLZ
Listen in Context
The boss raked Tom over the coals for being late.
My teacher raked me over the coals for not doing my homework.
She was raked over the coals for the mistake in the report.
If you forget your keys again, Mom will definitely rake you over the coals.