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

Elsewhere in his podcast, Torre claimed that UNC officials aren’t the only ones taking issue with Belichick’s recent romance. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025

The Pacers upset the Cavs in Game 1 of the East semifinals, and Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson apparently took issue with the Pacers' style of play. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2025

But Paul Hudson, who sat on a committee that observed the simulation in person, takes issue with the test’s methodology. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 1 May 2025

However, a number of readers took issue with the man's choice to buy the plane behind his wife's back. —Erin Clack, People.com, 27 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take issue

• reissue