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take it out in

C1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To get something (like food or work) instead of money as payment.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

trade goods labour kind services favours

Forms

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

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Synonyms

compensate in kind settle in trade repay with offset with

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