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

Mata also took issue with Owens' attorney in her order. —Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 21 June 2024

Republicans and the Coalition to March on the RNC 2024 have taken issue with the Pere Marquette spot as well, but for very different reasons. —Hannah Kirby, Journal Sentinel, 12 June 2024

But during this year’s legislative session, Republican lawmakers took issue with the deal and narrowly wedged through two budget bills at the end of the session that revoked the Department of Administration’s ability to sell the property. —Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 10 June 2024

Roth and others at the school alleged that donors specifically took issue with his statements criticizing Israel. —Abdallah Fayyad, Vox, 5 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1623, in the meaning defined above