dish out

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to distribute

2. to inflict punishment

   he can't take it, but he can sure dish it out

Idioms and Phrases

Deal out, dispense, as in He dishes out advice to one and all . This expression alludes to serving food from a dish. ] Colloquial ; first half of 1600s]

dish it out . Dispense abuse or punishment, as in He can dish it out with the best of them, but he can't take it . [ Slang ; c. 1930]

Example Sentences

European captain Luke Donald dished out virtual reality headsets, which could be programmed with all manner of abuse, to his players.

From BBC

Or help his creditors recover what is left of their money by taking on a loss-making steel plant for however long it takes for a buyer to be found and the sale proceeds dished out.

From BBC

The Royal College of General Practitioners has welcomed the "long overdue" UK government review into how funds are dished out to GP surgeries.

From BBC

In a just world, he should certainly have to swallow the same poison he dishes out.

From Salon

Lydia made the clam chowder for which we were somewhat famous, and during service dished out the vegetables and side dishes.

From Salon