Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase
“To haul over coals”
a) To face the opposition heroically.
b) To cry loudly.
c) To scold one severely.
d) To make a mountain over mole hill.
e) To describe exaggeratedly.

Question

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase
“To haul over coals”
a) To face the opposition heroically.
b) To cry loudly.
c) To scold one severely.
d) To make a mountain over mole hill.
e) To describe exaggeratedly.

Vedantu Content Team · Accepted Answer

Hint: An idiom is a phrase, saying or a group of words that has a metaphorical meaning which has been accepted in common usage. Idioms are not easy to understand because their meanings are usually metaphorical.Complete Answer:“To haul over coals” refers to scolding, reprimand or reprove someone severely for an error or mistake. Let us look at an example here to understand it properly.“I was hauled over the coals by my boss last week for messing up the accounting software.”Let us go through the meaning of the idioms given as options to find the option which best expresses the meaning of the idiom “To haul over coals.”>To face the opposition heroically: It refers to the situation of facing the enemies or the opposition party in an admirably brave and determined manner. Literature provides several examples of valiant characters, who overcome seemingly impossible challenges through their power or wiles or both. Let us look at an example here.“Louis took part in the war and faced the opposition heroically.”>To cry loudly:  It refers to shedding of tears often while making meaningless loud sounds as a sign of pain or distress. Let us look at an example here for better understanding. “Some kids start to cry loudly when they see the doctor”>To scold one severely: It refers to the state of criticizing someone angrily especially for personal feelings.   From this, it can be seen that this is the correct answer. Let us look at an example here. “The kids were scolded severely by their teacher for not doing their homework.”>To make a mountain over mole hill: It refers to an over reactive or dramatic action in which a person makes too much of a minor problem. It is believed that it first came into use in the 16th century. Let us look at an example here.“Our boss made a mountain out of a molehill when he fired Wayne for making a simple mistake.”Hence the correct answer is option ‘c’.Note: The abstract nature of an idiom is somewhat different from the actual sense or interpretation of the terms in which it is constructed.

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase “To haul over coals”a) To face the opposition heroically.b) To cry loudly.c) To scold one severely.d) To make a mountain over mole hill.e) To describe exaggeratedly.

Choose the correct meaning of the given phrase
“To haul over coals”
a) To face the opposition heroically.
b) To cry loudly.
c) To scold one severely.
d) To make a mountain over mole hill.
e) To describe exaggeratedly.