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Difference between Rake over old coals and Rake someone over the coals

admin Confusing Phrases

rake over old coals—(UK) try to bring back old problems that may cause trouble:

  • What’s the point of raking over old coals? Opening every wound we thought was properly healed.

rake someone over the coals—(U.S.) criticize or scold a person severely:

  • He was raked over the coals for allowing the club to become the laughing stock of professional sports.