1 B2 idiomatic informal
To distribute punishment, criticism, or blows forcefully and deliberately to others.
"She could deal it out in an argument but couldn't handle any criticism herself."
separable
deal it out
B2 informal separable transitive
To distribute or dispense something — especially punishment, criticism, or blows — forcefully or in measured portions.
In plain English
To give something out to people, especially something like punishment or hits, in a strong and deliberate way.
What does "deal it out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To distribute or hand out something — such as cards, tasks, or portions — among a group.
"Deal it out evenly — everyone gets a share of the workload."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To deal (distribute like cards) something out to others.
Actually means
To give something out to people, especially something like punishment or hits, in a strong and deliberate way.
Usage tip
Often used for punishment, pain, criticism, or sometimes justice. The pronoun 'it' is fixed in the set phrase; the object can vary ('deal punishment out', 'deal justice out'). Has a slightly combative or authoritative tone.
Words that pair with "deal it out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
punishment justice pain criticism blows penalties
How to conjugate "deal it out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
deal it out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
deals it out
he/she/it
Past simple
dealt it out
yesterday
Past participle
dealt it out
have + pp
-ing form
dealing it out
continuous
Hear "deal it out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "deal it out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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