What are the definitions of “stick it to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Criticise someone.
She STUCK IT TO me for turning up half an hour late.
- 2Treat someone badly or unfairly.
My boss always STICKS IT TO me when she's in a bad mood.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stick it to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stick it to is to criticize someone or treat someone badly or unfairly. It is often used when someone is being treated poorly by another person, especially when the person doing the mistreatment is in a position of power or authority.
What are the different verb forms of “stick it to”?
| Root Verb | stick it to |
| Third Person Singular Present | sticks it to |
| Present Participle | sticking it to |
| Simple Past | stuck it to |
| Past Participle | stuck it to |
Example
She always sticks it to her employees when they make a mistake.
Example
He sticks it to his classmates when they don't understand the lesson.
Example
The teacher is sticking it to the student for not doing his homework.
Example
Yesterday, the manager stuck it to the employee for being late.
Example
She had stuck it to him many times before for his mistakes.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stick it to”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“stick it to” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She stuck it to him for not completing the project on time.
Example
He sticks it to her whenever she makes a mistake.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“stick it to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She stuck it to him for not completing the project on time.
Example
He sticks it to her whenever she makes a mistake.
Good things to know
Does “stick it to” have an informal or formal tone?
Stick it to is an informal phrasal verb and is not typically used in formal settings or professional communication. It is more appropriate for casual conversations and informal writing.
