# take it out on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-it-out-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To unleash one's anger on (a person or thing other than the one that caused it).

## Examples

- Please do not take your anger out on me.
- He had a bad day at work, but he should not take it out on his family.
- It is unfair that she chooses to take out her professional frustrations on her subordinates, who have no control over her current circumstances.

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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.