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

Jason Beardsley, Santa Monica’s vice president of academic affairs, said CSU has taken issue with lower division level classes that are similar to CSU courses. —Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026

Stacey, who was hit from behind, appeared to take issue with Guilday over the crash. —Sean Nevin, NBC news, 10 Feb. 2026

While the younger Paul joins a legion of conservative voices who took issue with the choice of Bad Bunny as a headliner in the first place, scores of other celebrities reacted positively to Sunday's show. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026

Some member cities have asked for more of a voice on the 15-member board, and have taken issue with Dallas’ share of voting power. —Dallas Morning News, 9 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take issue

• reissue