take issue

idiomatic 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

Sun Sentinel Our community deserves truth, not trash | Opinion The mayor of Miramar takes issue with the Broward County Solid Waste Authority’s Draft Master Plan, particularly Appendix P, which touts modern trash incinerators as having little affect on the health of nearby residents. —South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2025

Defense attorneys, however, took issue with the possibility that Juror No. 6 might be thrown off the panel. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 11 June 2025

The musical opened to mixed, at best, reviews, with many critics taking issue with the convoluted, only modestly funny book and lackluster score. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 June 2025

The letter also took issue with Marvel’s move to stall pending a determination of Reynolds’ motion to dismiss. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 10 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take issue

• reissue