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somebody can dish it out, but somebody (cannot / could not) take it
{sb} would dish it out, but {sb} would not take it
somebody can dish it out, but somebody cannot take it
01
used to mean that someone is capable of criticizing or teasing others, but they become sensitive or defensive when faced with the same kind of criticism or teasing themselves
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "someone can dish it out but cannot take it" and when to use it?
The idiom "someone can dish it out but cannot take it" likely originated from the idea of someone being capable of criticizing or teasing others but unable to handle similar treatment themselves. This expression is used to highlight a difference between someone's ability to give out criticism, banter, or challenges and their capacity to tolerate or respond positively when facing the same in return.
Examples
Basically, he was a bully, and like most bullies, he could dish it out, but couldn't take it.
