1 B2 idiomatic informal
To punish, harm, or treat someone severely, often as revenge or retaliation.
"The new tax policy really stuck it to small business owners."
inseparable
stick it to
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To treat someone harshly, punish them, or get revenge on them; sometimes used positively for decisively defeating or defying someone.
In plain English
Make someone suffer or get back at them, or beat them decisively.
What does "stick it to" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To defy or decisively defeat someone in authority or someone you oppose.
"Winning the championship was their chance to really stick it to the critics who said they'd never make it."
inseparable
Usage tip
Always used with 'it' as an object; the recipient follows 'to'. Very common in American English. Can imply punishment, revenge, or triumphant victory against someone. The tone can be aggressive or playfully triumphant.
Words that pair with "stick it to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
boss system banks the man opponent government
How to conjugate "stick it to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stick it to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sticks it to
he/she/it
Past simple
stuck it to
yesterday
Past participle
stuck it to
have + pp
-ing form
sticking it to
continuous
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