Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To distribute or give out something, often in portions: This is the core meaning, referring to the act of handing out items, frequently food, but also applicable to other things like money, tasks, or criticism.
   • To administer or deal something, such as punishment or criticism: This meaning emphasizes giving out something typically negative or authoritative in nature.

Usage and Examples

• Literal meaning (distributing food or items):

  • The volunteers will dish out hot meals to those in need.
  • The teacher dished out the worksheets to the class.

• Figurative meaning (administering criticism, punishment, tasks):

  • The coach dished out harsh criticism after the poor performance.
  • The boss is always dishing out new assignments at the last minute.

Advanced Usage

• "to dish it out": To be willing or able to give criticism, punishment, or aggressive treatment.
  • He can dish it out, but he can't take it. (Meaning: He is quick to criticize others but cannot accept criticism himself.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dole out (phrasal verb): To distribute, especially in meager amounts. A close synonym.
  • The organization doles out supplies every week.
• Serve up (phrasal verb): To provide or offer, especially food or entertainment. Often used interchangeably in the context of providing food.
  • The chef served up a delicious three-course meal.
• Shell out (phrasal verb): To pay or give out money, often reluctantly.
  • I had to shell out fifty dollars for the repair.

Synonyms

• Distribute: To give out items to several people.
• Dispense: To distribute or provide a service or item.
• Met out: To distribute or apportion, often justice or punishment.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Dish up: Similar to "dish out" but more specific to serving food onto plates.
  • Could you dish up the potatoes while I carve the meat?

Related Idioms

• "Dish the dirt": To gossip or reveal scandalous information. (Note: This is a separate idiom and not a direct variant of "dish out").
  • The tabloids love to dish the dirt on celebrities.

Verb

1. provide (usually but not necessarily food)
   • We serve meals for the homeless
   • She dished out the soup at 8 P.M.
   • The entertainers served up a lively show
2. administer or bestow, as in small portions
   • administer critical remarks to everyone present
   • dole out some money
   • shell out pocket money for the children
   • deal a blow to someone
   • the machine dispenses soft drinks