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Synonyms

take it out on

Idioms  

  1. Also, take something out on. Vent one's frustration or anger on a person or object. For example, I know you're furious about your grades but don't take it out on me. [First half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He understands why people are upset, but says it is not fair to take it out on his staff.

From BBC • Mar. 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

“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

“There are drivers who carry a lot of anger when they’re out, and they’re looking to take it out on someone,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2023

“Even if I were having a bad day, I wouldn’t take it out on you or Lydia.”

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner

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.