take it out on
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Across the world, the rising cost of living will likely translate into frustrated voters looking to take it out on incumbent parties.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
“We all have bad days and stress, and it was wrong for me to take it out on an officer who’s simply doing his job,” she said.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2024
“They were not measured, and whatever I might feel, I don’t have the right to take it out on anybody else. But unfortunately, I lost control.”
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2023
“I think it’s important to remember that people have grudges against him for whatever reason and they use this to take it out on Kevin,” Mr. Joyce said.
From Washington Times • Sep. 15, 2023
“Are you going to tell us why or are you just going to take it out on that salad?”
From "The First Rule of Punk" by Celia C. Pérez
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
