take issue

idiomatic phrase

: to adopt or express an opposed or contrary view or position : disagree

Though a barbecuing Southerner may take issue, Texas-style and Korean barbecue have much in common.

—Anito Lo

—usually used with with

She took issue with the conclusions reached by the study.

Carolyn Nichols, an editor at Bantam, took issue with the notion that romance fiction is escapist.

—Charles Trueheart

Despite the proliferation of all means of communications, from magazines to computers, books remain our chief medium for the full expression of ideas, and for taking issue with those of others.

—Robert R. Harris

Examples of take issue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The letter also took issue with nearly $30,000 paid to Masullo as part of a separation agreement. —Rachel Wegner, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

Zelle also took issue over when consumers must be reimbursed under the law, which has been a point of contention between banks and consumer watchdog groups. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 20 Dec. 2024

Defendants also took issue with the vacations the two took together, accusing Wade of funding the couple’s trips using taxpayer funds Willis paid him. —Alison Durkee, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Hagerty took issue with Crenshaw’s position on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as well as her stances on climate financing. —Tobias Burns, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above