View synonyms for

dish out

verb

(tr, adverb) to distribute
to inflict punishment
he can't take it, but he can sure dish it out

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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]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"I've dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and have never come close to this unprecedented action," Neville said.

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He dished out the bons mots with each entrance like he was a thirsty Pascal who paid for his drinks in pensées, which made him an inspiration.

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It’s “one of the perks that helps persuade shoppers to dish out $60 or $120 for a membership every year,” the outlet added.

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He could dish out compliments, but he was often too insecure to take them.

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If the teen dished out a beating to a misbehaving kid — someone who cursed at officers or defied their orders — he would be rewarded with In-N-Out, Jack in the Box, McDonald’s or Chick-fil-A.

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dishonourable dishpan

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