ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lash out on

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford Informal

phr. v.. to attack or criticize someone suddenly, often in anger — usually without thinking first.

phr. v.. 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.


SIMPLE

He lashed out on his colleague during the meeting.

CONTEXTUAL

After the argument, she lashed out on her friend for not supporting her.

COMPLEX

The politician lashed out on the media for their biased reporting, causing a scandal.

Particles
out on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
lash + out + on + object
Usage

typically followed by a person or group being attacked or criticized.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'lash out at' (more common) and explain that 'on' is less standard but sometimes used in informal contexts.

Pitfall

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.

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