1 C1 idiomatic informal
To accept something other than money as payment or compensation for a debt or favor.
"He couldn't pay the plumber in cash, so they agreed to take it out in free meals at his restaurant."
inseparable
take it out in
C1 informal inseparable transitive
To receive compensation or repayment in a form other than money, such as goods or services.
In plain English
To get something (like food or work) instead of money as payment.
What does "take it out in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
To find satisfaction or release through a particular activity rather than direct confrontation.
"She was furious about the decision but decided to take it out in long runs along the river rather than argue."
inseparable
Usage tip
Relatively rare and somewhat old-fashioned. Often used in the context of debts or favors where cash is unavailable. More common in informal spoken British English than American English.
Words that pair with "take it out in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
trade goods labour kind services favours
How to conjugate "take it out in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
take it out in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes it out in
he/she/it
Past simple
took it out in
yesterday
Past participle
taken it out in
have + pp
-ing form
taking it out in
continuous
Hear "take it out in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "take it out in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
compensate in kind offset with repay with settle in trade
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