# give out

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-out
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To complain, sulk, chastise.

## Examples

- My teacher gave out because I forgot my homework again.
- The manager gave out to the team for missing the deadline, even though the delay was not their fault.
- Despite his efforts to remain composed, the supervisor gave out at length regarding the persistent lack of discipline displayed by the junior staff.

## Origin

Derived from the Old English *giefan* and *ūt*, the phrasal verb is cognate with the German *ausgeben*, which carries the sense of spending, paying, or producing an output.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.