lash out on
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to attack or criticize someone suddenly, often in anger — usually without thinking first.
phrasal verb. to strike or attack suddenly; can also mean to criticize harshly, often in a moment of anger or frustration; the preposition 'on' is less common than 'at' in this context.
He lashed out on his colleague during the meeting.
After the argument, she lashed out on her friend for not supporting her.
The politician lashed out on the media for their biased reporting, causing a scandal.
typically followed by a person or group being attacked or criticized.
contrast with 'lash out at' (more common) and explain that 'on' is less standard but sometimes used in informal contexts.
He lashed out at his colleagueHe lashed out on his colleaguethe preposition 'on' is less common than 'at' but can be used in informal speech; learners may confuse the two.
Last updated April 24, 2026