Definition of rake over

The phrase "rake over" originated in the late 18th century and has its roots in the farming industry. At that time, a rake was a tool used to clear leaves, straw, and other debris from the ground. The act of raking over soil referred to the process of turning it over and removing weeds and other unwanted material. The idiom "rake over" derives from this agricultural practice and evolved to mean to delve deeply or thoroughly into something. Initially, it was used to describe the act of rooting out a problem or issue through investigation or discussion. For instance, "rake over the events of last night and find out what went wrong" signified the need to scrutinize a situation and analyze its components to determine its root cause. Over time, "rake over" developed a different connotation, often referring to arguments or disagreements. This second meaning reflects a sense of discomfort, as the phrase implies that the subject being discussed is painful or unsettling. For example, "we don't need to rake over our differences anymore, can we please move on?" highlights the unpleasantness of reopening old wounds. Overall, the origin of "rake over" provides insight into how vocabulary, particularly those related to farming and agriculture, continue to be woven into everyday speech, sometimes in unexpected ways.