take it out on

Idioms and Phrases

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

Senator Rick Scott is so furious over the felony conviction of former President Donald J. Trump that the Florida Republican says he and his colleagues need to take it out on the Senate, by acting as disrupters and blocking all Biden administration nominees and legislation.

From New York Times

Senator Rick Scott is so furious over the felony conviction of former President Donald J. Trump that the Florida Republican says he and his colleagues need to take it out on the Senate, by acting as disrupters and blocking all Biden administration nominees and legislation.

From New York Times

“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

"They shunned Dad as well, but when they couldn't take it out on Dad, or when they couldn't insult Dad, or be horrible to Dad, I was their next target," he said.

From BBC

“Republicans could take it out on white Democrats rather than Republicans,” said Charles Bullock, a University of Georgia political scientist who studies redistricting.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• annoy
• badger
• berate
• fuss
• hector
• hound
• irk
• irritate
• pester
• scold
• tease
• torment
• vex