dish out

Học thuật
Thân thiện
dish out

The volunteers dish out hot meals at the community center.

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.
dish out

The volunteers dish out hot meals at the community center.

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

Từ đồng nghĩa