The phrase "drags over the coals" means to criticize or reprimand harshly. The spelling of this phrase can be challenging, as there are a few variants. The word "drags" is pronounced /drægz/ with a voiced "g" sound, while "over" is pronounced /oʊvər/ with a silent "e". The word "coals" is pronounced /koʊlz/ with a voiced "s" sound. The overall spelling can be broken down to "drags" + "over" + "the" + "coals", with each word being pronounced as described.
The phrase "drags over the coals" is an idiomatic expression that means to severely criticize, rebuke, or berate someone for their actions or behavior. It is a figurative expression that conjures up the image of a person being pulled or dragged across burning coals, which is a painful experience. In this context, the coals represent the harsh words, reproach, or reprimands being directed at the person receiving the criticism.
When someone is "dragged over the coals," they are subjected to a thorough and intense critique, often accompanied by a sense of humiliation or public shaming. This can occur in various situations, such as in a professional setting where a person is reprimanded for poor performance, in personal relationships where someone faces criticism for their actions or decisions, or in public forums where individuals may be condemned for their behavior or controversial viewpoints.
The intention behind dragging someone over the coals is typically to express disapproval or disappointment, as well as to correct their behavior or hold them accountable for their actions. This phrase implies that the criticism is harsh and unrelenting, with the aim of making the person feel the weight of their mistakes or wrongdoing.