take issue

phrase

: to adopt or express an opposed or contrary view or position : disagree

Though a barbecuing Southerner may take issue, Texas-style and Korean barbecue have much in common.

—Anito Lo

—usually used with with

She took issue with the conclusions reached by the study.

Carolyn Nichols, an editor at Bantam, took issue with the notion that romance fiction is escapist.

—Charles Trueheart

Despite the proliferation of all means of communications, from magazines to computers, books remain our chief medium for the full expression of ideas, and for taking issue with those of others.

—Robert R. Harris

Examples of take issue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The aviation union also took issue with BP using out-of-state, temporary workers to run the refinery during the lockout. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

In Politics Among Nations, Morgenthau took issue with leaders who both glorify the struggle for power and reject any limits on their own use of power. — David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2026

Several supporters of the ballot measures took issue with this broader line of criticism, including Transportation Alternatives’ executive director Ben Furnas. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 4 Nov. 2026

Tinashe wasn’t having any backlash from the Republican side, and suggested that those taking issue with her political stance drop their fandom. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take issue

• reissue