dole out
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To give out small amounts of something to people, usually carefully or without much enthusiasm.
Literal meaning: To give out like welfare (dole) payments — in small, controlled portions.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To give out food, money, or aid in small or limited amounts.
"Aid workers were doling out rations to the families in the refugee camp."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To give out advice, criticism, or punishment, sometimes in a controlled or reluctant way.
"The judge doled out stiff sentences to all four defendants."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Derived from 'dole' (welfare payment). Often implies giving small, measured amounts, sometimes reluctantly. Can be used for money, food, information, or punishment. Common in journalism and political writing.
Commonly used with
money food aid advice punishment information
Forms
Base
dole out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
doles out
he/she/it
Past simple
doled out
yesterday
Past participle
doled out
have + pp
-ing form
doling out
continuous
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Synonyms
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