Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ride-on-a-rail

idiom

/ˌraɪd ɒn ə reɪl/

Definition

To be forcibly taken or carried away by a group or mob, particularly in the context of punishment or public humiliation.

Examples

After the scandal, he was practically forced to ride-on-a-rail out of town.
The whistleblower felt he would be ride-on-a-rail by his colleagues for speaking out.

Meaning

The expression refers to the act of being thrown out or disrespected by a community or group, often through a symbolic action of being carried on a rail (as if riding away) to signify expulsion or disgrace.