Question

What is the meaning of the idiom "to haul over the coals"?

• A. To walk on burning coals
• B. To move around coal mines
• C. To rebuke someone very strongly
• D. To overhaul the machines

Hint:

In idiom-based questions, avoid getting trapped by the literal meaning of the words. Focus on the figurative or commonly accepted interpretation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the idiom: "To haul someone over the coals" means to severely criticize or reprimand someone for a mistake or wrongdoing.

Step 2: Analyzing each option:

To walk on burning coals: Literal meaning --- not correct.
To move around coal mines: Literal interpretation --- not correct.
To rebuke someone very strongly: Correct meaning.
To overhaul the machines: Unrelated meaning.

Thus, the idiom "to haul over the coals" means to rebuke someone very strongly.