take it outside: Idiom Meaning and Origin

"take it out on" is another idiom that is related to "take it outside". It means to direct anger or frustration towards someone or something else, often as a result of being upset or stressed about a different issue. This phrase suggests that instead of addressing their emotions or problems directly, individuals may choose to vent their feelings on an unrelated person or object.

The idiom "take it out on" is similar to "take it outside" in that both imply a desire to move a negative emotion or conflict away from oneself or others. However, while "take it outside" focuses on physically relocating a confrontation, "take it out on" emphasizes the emotional aspect, highlighting the act of displacing negative feelings.

For example, imagine a person who had a bad day at work. Instead of expressing their frustration directly to their boss or coworkers, they might "take it out on" their spouse or a household object, such as slamming doors or venting to a friend. In this scenario, the idiom suggests that the person is redirecting their anger or stress from work onto someone or something unrelated.

The idiom "take a walk" is another expression related to "take it outside". It means to go outside for a walk, often used as a way to calm down or clear one's head. This phrase implies that taking a walk can provide a temporary escape from a tense or stressful situation, allowing individuals to regain composure or find a new perspective.

In comparison to "take it outside", "take a walk" focuses on the individual's own actions rather than the idea of moving a conflict elsewhere. It suggests that by physically distancing oneself from a challenging situation, a person can gain clarity and find a way to approach the issue with a fresh mindset.

For example, if a person is in the middle of a heated argument with a friend, they might choose to "take a walk" to step away from the intense environment. By doing so, the idiom implies that the person hopes to calm down, reflect, and potentially return to the conversation with a more composed and rational demeanor.

The idiom "take one's leave" is also connected to "take it outside". It means to depart or say goodbye, often used to indicate that a person is leaving a particular location or situation. This phrase implies a sense of finality or conclusion, suggesting that the person has made the decision to remove themselves from a specific context or interaction.

In comparison to both "take it outside" and "take a walk", "take one's leave" does not directly involve conflicts or confrontations. However, it shares a common theme of physically distancing oneself from a situation. By "taking one's leave", individuals are signaling their intention to step away and disengage, often with the intention of concluding an interaction or ending a conversation.

For example, at the end of a social gathering or event, a person might choose to "take their leave" by saying goodbye and leaving the venue. This idiom suggests that the individual has decided to remove themselves from the situation, expressing a desire to end the social interaction and move on to other activities or engagements.

The idiom "take a stand" is related to "take it outside" in that it emphasizes the actions and decisions individuals make in response to a conflict or issue. It means to express one's opinion or position firmly, often in a public setting or in the face of opposition. This phrase implies a sense of assertiveness and determination, suggesting that individuals are willing to publicly defend their beliefs or values.

In comparison to "take it outside", "take a stand" focuses on the importance of speaking up or taking action in the face of adversity, rather than physically relocating a conflict. It suggests that individuals have the power to make a difference and that by voicing their thoughts or beliefs, they can contribute to positive change.

For example, during a heated debate or political discussion, a person might "take a stand" by expressing their views and actively participating in the conversation. In this scenario, the idiom indicates that the individual is making a conscious choice to stand up for their beliefs and engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas.

The idiom "take it away" is another expression related to "take it outside". It is often used in a casual or conversational context to encourage someone to begin or continue a performance or demonstration. This phrase implies a sense of excitement and anticipation, suggesting that individuals are eager to see what someone has to offer or showcase their skills.

While "take it outside" is typically associated with conflicts or confrontations, "take it away" focuses on the idea of starting or continuing an engaging activity or event. It suggests that individuals are enthusiastic about witnessing or participating in a particular performance or demonstration.

For example, if a musician finishes their soundcheck and is ready to start their performance, someone might say, "Alright, take it away!" In this scenario, the idiom indicates that the person is encouraging the musician to begin their performance and ignite the excitement and energy of the audience.

Overall, the idiom "take it outside" has its unique meaning in American English. It is used to suggest moving a conflict or confrontation away from the current location or public setting. This phrase can be used in both physical and figurative contexts, emphasizing the importance of handling disputes or disagreements in a more appropriate or private setting. The related idioms – "take it out on", "take a walk", "take one's leave", "take a stand", and "take it away" – each provide a different perspective or action related to addressing and handling conflicts, emotions, or engagements. Whether it involves redirecting anger, taking a break, departing from a situation, defending one's beliefs, or encouraging someone to showcase their abilities, these idioms further demonstrate the multifaceted nature of communication and human interactions.