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

The 95-year-old investment legend took issue with the $300 million of additional costs from the split, the lengthy time the deal will take and the fact that shareholders didn’t get to vote on the transaction. —Yun Li, CNBC, 7 Sep. 2025

The court took issue with some of those new protections, but not closing any loophole. —Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025

However, the team has been a target of lunatic pro-Palestine protesters who have taken issue with the team's name, even though the team has no formal ties to the Israeli government. —Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025

The 32-year-old veteran took issue with Devers’ taking his time getting up the first base line while admiring a home run. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take issue

• reissue