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

Trump even in his first administration took issue with the lack of defense spending among NATO members, which initially was 2 percent of a country's GDP, then increased to 3 percent before NATO members in June agreed to a new minimum spend of 5 percent. —Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025

But it’s not allowed by the NHL rulebook, although Evason took issue with that call, too. —Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

But critics have taken issue with the reordering of Reagan’s statements and the removal of the context of him making these statements in a speech justifying his decision to impose tariffs on Japan. —Surina Venkat, The Hill, 24 Oct. 2025

Simon cited the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers that prevent them from revealing information without their client's permission and took issue with the memorandum Gabelman directed to county officials on May 16. —Erin Glynn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for take issue

• reissue