stick it to
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
Make someone suffer or get back at them, or beat them decisively.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
boss system banks the man opponent government
Forms
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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Synonyms
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