drag over the coals

berate censure chastise criticize excoriate flog lambaste lash penalize pummel punish rebuke reprimand scold upbraid

baste beat blister cane chasten correct discipline drub flay rail rate ream scarify scorch scourge thrash whip

bawl out chew out come down on dress down jump down one's throat lay out lean on read the riot act scathe tongue-lash

approve compliment exonerate flatter forgive laud praise reward

aid assist guard help lose protect surrender