Grammar fix
lash out
attack someone verbally (figurative)
to suddenly speak to someone in an angry or critical way, often because you are upset or under pressure.
phrasal verbC1occasional
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
When the manager criticised her work, she suddenly lashed out at him in front of the whole team.
Some people lash out at their colleagues when they feel overwhelmed at work, but this usually damages professional relationships.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She lashed out to her colleagues.
Say: She lashed out at her colleagues.
'Lash out AT someone', not 'to'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Lash out (at)' naturally means snap angrily at people. 'Angrily criticised' is flat.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
lash out at
- at critics
- at the staff
- in anger
- verbally