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 deal, first reported by Axios Thursday, hasn’t satisfied China hawks who are taking issue with the fact that the content recommendation algorithm, TikTok’s secret sauce, will be licensed from ByteDance by the US consortium. —Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 19 Dec. 2025

Some of the observers took issue with local law enforcement on the scene. —Wcco Staff, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025

New England’s cornerback Carlton Davis took issue with how the game was being officiated. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 Dec. 2025

Unfortunately, the Potomac franchise does not exist in reality but instead is a mildly dystopian parallel universe commandeered by the chaotic whims of Big Sister General Gizelle Bryant; therefore, Angel being a general pill doesn’t suffice as a legitimate reason to take issue with her. —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take issue

• reissue