Origin of Phrases - C
Called on the carpet
Meaning: To be held accountable for a mistake, offense, or a lie.
Example: Lisa's loafing at work finally caught up with her. She was called on the carpet for playing computer games.
Origin: In military parlance, called on the carpet refers to having to present oneself to a superior officer, report at attention and receive a disciplining for some offense. Sometimes a defense is allowed, but often, the communication is quite simple, clear, and unidirectional, with the recipient being forced to stand at attention while the abuse takes place.
Although no longer true, there was a time when only the top officers had carpet in their offices. Hence the carpet referred to the office of a senior officer.
The term is also used in the business world. About the only difference is that the recipient is not (typically) expected to stand at attention.