1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To examine past events or failures in thorough and often uncomfortable detail.
"There's no point raking over the ashes of a project that failed three years ago."
inseparable
rake over
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To examine or discuss past events in great detail, especially unpleasant or embarrassing ones.
In plain English
To look very carefully at something that already happened, especially something bad or embarrassing.
What does "rake over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To rake a surface repeatedly or thoroughly, covering the whole area.
"He raked over the flower bed to break up the soil before planting."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Dragging a rake back and forth over a surface to examine or disturb what lies there.
Actually means
To look very carefully at something that already happened, especially something bad or embarrassing.
Usage tip
Often used in the phrase 'rake over old coals' or 'rake over the ashes,' meaning to revisit past failures or controversies. Slightly negative connotation — implies the examination may be unnecessary or painful.
Words that pair with "rake over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
ashes past coals memories details evidence
How to conjugate "rake over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rake over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rakes over
he/she/it
Past simple
raked over
yesterday
Past participle
raked over
have + pp
-ing form
raking over
continuous
Hear "rake over" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rake over" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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