take (something) out on (someone)

phrasal verb

took (something) out on (someone); taken (something) out on (someone); taking (something) out on (someone); takes (something) out on (someone)

: to treat someone badly because one feels angry, frustrated, etc.

workers who go home and take out their frustration on their families

I'm sorry you didn't get the job, but don't take it out on me.

Examples of take (something) out on (someone) in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

To keep active, the hotel offers a fleet of complimentary paddle boards and kayaks to take out on the Charles River; in summer months, sit at the expansive courtyard to play Bocce and listen to local musicians. —

Shaan Merchant, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2022 In the early 1970s, Begay would take out on the road for weeks at a time. —

Chadd Scott, Forbes, 17 Apr. 2021 Sergeant Kevin Donoghue said in a news conference Thursday that Rivera and her son rented a boat to take out on Lake Piru in Los Padres National Forest at approximately 1 p.m. local time. —

CBS News, 10 July 2020

Dictionary Entries Near take (something) out on (someone)

take something on trust

take (something) out on (someone)

take something the wrong way

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Take (something) out on (someone).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20%28something%29%20out%20on%20%28someone%29. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation