Definition

Verb: 1. To serve or distribute (food, or something compared to food): To put prepared food onto plates or into bowls for people to eat. It can also be used metaphorically to mean presenting or offering something, often in an informal or casual manner.

Usage and Examples

• Literal (serving food):
  • Could you dish up the potatoes while I carve the roast?
  • The chef dished up a delicious stew for the guests.
• Metaphorical (presenting something):
  • The network dishes up the same kind of reality shows every season.
  • He dished up a convincing excuse for being late.

Advanced Usage

• The phrasal verb is often used to imply the action is done in a routine, generous, or sometimes unceremonious way. The object can be tangible (food) or intangible (information, entertainment).

Variants and Related Words

• Dish out (verb): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "dish up," especially in informal contexts. It can also imply distributing criticism or punishments.
  • She's always quick to dish out advice.
• Serve up (verb): Another direct synonym for serving food or presenting something.
  • The committee served up a surprising proposal.

Synonyms

• Serve
• Ladle out
• Spoon out
• Present
• Offer

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Dish out: As noted above, this is a nearly identical variant. The distinction is subtle; "dish up" is slightly more specific to the final act of serving onto a plate, while "dish out" can emphasize the act of distribution from a central source.
  • They set up a tent to dish out hot meals to the survivors.

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