Question 1

What does "take out on" mean?

Accepted Answer

To unfairly express your negative emotions — especially anger, stress, or frustration — by directing them at someone who did not cause them.

Question 2

How do you use "take out on" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

He had a terrible day at work and came home and took it all out on his partner.

Question 3

Is "take out on" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"take out on" is informal — used mainly in casual conversation. Almost always used with a reflexive or pronoun object between 'take' and 'out': 'take it out on', 'take your frustration out on'. The construction 'take [something] out on [someone]' is the standard pattern. Using this phrase implies the speaker recognises the behaviour as unfair. Slightly more common in spoken English than written.

take out on

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Expressions associées

Plus avec "out on"