dump on

B2 informal inseparable transitive

In simple words

To be very nasty to someone or to tell someone all your problems when they didn't ask to hear them.

Literal meaning: To drop ('dump') something unwanted onto a person — the metaphor maps rubbish to criticism or problems.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To unload your problems, worries, or negative emotions on someone, often without their invitation and in an overwhelming way.

"I'm sorry for dumping on you like this — you must be exhausted hearing all my problems."

Grammar: inseparable

2 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To criticize someone harshly and unfairly, or to treat them with contempt.

"The manager had a habit of dumping on his team whenever a project went wrong."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Used in two main senses: (1) to criticize or treat someone badly; (2) to unload personal problems on someone. Both senses carry a negative connotation, implying the target of the action is treated unfairly. Common in both British and American English.

Commonly used with

problems criticism feelings everyone friend colleagues

Forms

Base

dump on

I/you/we/they

3rd person

dumps on

he/she/it

Past simple

dumped on

yesterday

Past participle

dumped on

have + pp

-ing form

dumping on

continuous

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