heap coals of fire on (one's) head

heap coals of fire on (one's) head

To make a special effort to induce feelings of guilt or remorse in another person. Why are you citing all these examples of times I wronged you? Why are you heaping coals of fire on my head?

See also: coal, fire, head, heap, of, on

heap coals of fire on someone's head

go out of your way to cause someone to feel remorse. British

This phrase is of biblical origin: ‘if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head’ (Romans 12:20).

See also: coal, fire, head, heap, of, on