dish it out
Meaning
To give something (especially criticism, insults, blame, or punishment) freely and often harshly, as if serving it to others.
Origin
From the literal sense of “dishing out” food—serving portions to others. It broadened metaphorically to mean handing out non-physical things like criticism, blame, or punishment.
Notes
Often implies a tough, sometimes aggressive way of giving criticism/insults/punishment. Common in spoken English. Frequently appears in the contrast “dish it out but can’t take it.”
Examples
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He’s quick to dish it out, but he can’t handle any criticism himself.
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The coach dished it out after the loss, blaming everyone for the poor effort.
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If you dish it out online, be prepared for people to respond just as harshly.
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She can dish it out at meetings, so don’t take her comments personally.
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The judge said the court would dish it out to repeat offenders.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed pronoun “it” is typical: “dish it out.” Also common as “dish out + noun” (dish out criticism/insults/punishment). “Out” is required; tense changes on “dish” (dished it out).
Synonyms
- hand out
- mete out
- lay into (someone)
- give (someone) a hard time
- let (someone) have it
Antonyms
- hold back
- pull punches
- go easy on someone
- spare someone