Dish out

verb

To spread or give something, often money or resources.

The government is criticized for the amount it dishes out in foreign aid.
Visual representation of "dish out" - To spread or give something, often money or resources

Often appears as...

  • dish out punishment
  • dish out money
verb

To serve food.

She dished out ice cream for everyone.
Visual representation of "dish out" - To serve food

Often appears as...

  • dish out food
  • dish out dessert
verb

To give a lot of criticism.

He has a knack for dishing out harsh truths.
Visual representation of "dish out" - To give a lot of criticism

Often appears as...

  • dish out criticism
  • dish out blame

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

verb

To spread or give something, often money or resources.

The government is criticized for the amount it dishes out in foreign aid.
Visual representation of "dish out" - To spread or give something, often money or resources

Often appears as...

  • dish out punishment
  • dish out money
verb

To serve food.

She dished out ice cream for everyone.
Visual representation of "dish out" - To serve food

Often appears as...

  • dish out food
  • dish out dessert
verb

To give a lot of criticism.

He has a knack for dishing out harsh truths.
Visual representation of "dish out" - To give a lot of criticism

Often appears as...

  • dish out criticism
  • dish out blame

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "dish out"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Figurative Use

Often used metaphorically to talk about non-physical things like money or advice.

Illustration for Figurative Use
The charity dishes out advice to those in need.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Negative Context

Can imply giving reluctantly or more than necessary, sometimes with a negative tone.

Illustration for Negative Context
He reluctantly dished out compliments only when necessary.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Figurative Use

Often used metaphorically to talk about non-physical things like money or advice.

Illustration for Figurative Use
The charity dishes out advice to those in need.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Negative Context

Can imply giving reluctantly or more than necessary, sometimes with a negative tone.

Illustration for Negative Context
He reluctantly dished out compliments only when necessary.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Figurative Use

Often used metaphorically to talk about non-physical things like money or advice.

Illustration for Figurative Use
The charity dishes out advice to those in need.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Negative Context

Can imply giving reluctantly or more than necessary, sometimes with a negative tone.

Illustration for Negative Context
He reluctantly dished out compliments only when necessary.
Visual representation of the word "Dish out"

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