{sb} (can|could) dish it out, but {sb} (cannot|could not) take it - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

{sb} (can|could) dish it out, but {sb} (cannot|could not) take it

used to mean that someone is capable of criticizing or teasing others, but they become sensitive or defensive when faced with the same kind of criticism or teasing themselvesused to mean that someone is capable of criticizing or teasing others, but they become sensitive or defensive when faced with the same kind of criticism or teasing themselves

The idiom "someone can dish it out but cannot take it" likely originated from the idea of someone being capable of criticizing or teasing others but unable to handle similar treatment themselves. This expression is used to highlight a difference between someone's ability to give out criticism, banter, or challenges and their capacity to tolerate or respond positively when facing the same in return.The idiom "someone can dish it out but cannot take it" likely originated from the idea of someone being capable of criticizing or teasing others but unable to handle similar treatment themselves. This expression is used to highlight a difference between someone's ability to give out criticism, banter, or challenges and their capacity to tolerate or respond positively when facing the same in return.

例句

Basically, he was a bully, and like most bullies, he could dish it out, but couldn't take it.
He’s mad at me for teasing him – he can dish it out, but he can’t take it!
I'm not surprised the bully backed down when you confronted him.Bullies usually can dish it out, but they can't take it.

1 / 1

{sb} (can|could) dish it out, but {sb} (cannot|could not) take it

1

used to mean that someone is capable of criticizing or teasing others, but they become sensitive or defensive when faced with the same kind of criticism or teasing themselves

The idiom "someone can dish it out but cannot take it" likely originated from the idea of someone being capable of criticizing or teasing others but unable to handle similar treatment themselves. This expression is used to highlight a difference between someone's ability to give out criticism, banter, or challenges and their capacity to tolerate or respond positively when facing the same in return.

Basically, he was a bully, and like most bullies, he could dish it out, but couldn't take it.
He’s mad at me for teasing him – he can dish it out, but he can’t take it!
I'm not surprised the bully backed down when you confronted him.Bullies usually can dish it out, but they can't take it.
She's always so quick to mock you when you make a mistake, but she throws a total hissy fit when you call her out on something she's done wrong.She can dish it out, but she clearly can't take it.
So, their integrity in the firm was damaged as they would dish it out but wouldn't take it.