Definition of burn someone at the stake in English English dictionary
(deyim) 1. Lit. to set fire to a person tied to a post (as a form of execution). They used to burn witches at the stake.2. Fig. to chastise or denounce someone severely or excessively
1. Stop yelling. I made a simple mistake, and you're burning me at the stake for it.
2. Sally only spilled her milk. There is no need to shout. Don't burn her at the stake for it.