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Avangi Posted 18 years ago
Vocabulary

rake - over the coals

My mother often used the expression "[to] rake [a person] over the coals," and GG just used it in a post. I know what it means and what image it envokes (to haul a heretic across a bed of hot coals in the sixteenth century), but I can't find any dictionary reference for "rake" as a transitive verb where it even remotely resembles "haul." Any insight? (I do know how to rake coals!)

Thanks, - A.
  

Top answer

Hi, My dictionary gives 'collect or gather, as with a rake'. I don't see that as being completely inappropriate for this image. It has the general idea of 'someone moving something'.

— Clive

  • Hi, My dictionary gives 'collect or gather, as with a rake'.
  • I don't see that as being completely inappropriate for this image.
  • It has the general idea of 'someone moving something'.
  • Clive
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3 Answers
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Hi,

My dictionary gives 'collect or gather, as with a rake'. I don't see that as being completely inappropriate for this image. It has the general idea of 'someone moving something'.

Clive
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In the UK when you 'rake over the coals' (not raking a person over it!) it means that you are going through the details/remains of something that should be finished with, to bring it 'back to life'. A metaphor for moving around the remains of a fire.
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Nona, do you not have the usage of "raking someone over the coals"?
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