Phrase: take something out on someone

 take (something) out on (someone/something)


Meaning: To take something out on someone means to treat someone badly when you are angry or upset, even though it's not their fault.

Explanation: This phrase is used when someone punishes or mistreats another person or something as a means of expressing or venting their negative emotion, such as anger or aggression. When someone takes their frustrations or anger out on you, just don't take it personally to avoid feeling bad for their behavior that has nothing to do with you.



"I know you're mad at Dad, but don't take it out on me!"

  • In this case, we can say that the boy on the right is mad at his dad probably because he wasn't allowed to play for not doing his homework but he expresses his anger to his brother who was allowed to play.


"I get that you're upset with the slow internet, but why are you taking it out on that poor computer? What did it ever do to you?"

  • Some people express their anger at other things like smashing or throwing objects. For the situation above, an internet connection issue can be very frustrating and it's easy for some people to get upset about it and project their anger onto their devices (computer, laptop, smartphones, etc.).



"Dan has been stressed out of his heavy workload, and unfortunately he's been taking it out on his coworkers."

  • In the workplace, some bosses take their anger out on their subordinates. They probably have some personal issues at home or with something else but they express their frustrations to the people around them at the moment.


More example sentences:

"I know you're furious about your grades but don't take it out on me."
"I know you're angry, but don't take it out on me!"
"Don't take out your anger on me."
"Don’t take it out on me just because you’ve had a bad day"
"He takes his frustration out on the chair."


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