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.communication
Some people lash out at their colleagues when they feel overwhelmed at work, but this usually damages professional relationships.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: lash out (at someone/something)

WrongShe lashed out to her colleagues.

RightShe lashed out at her colleagues.

'Lash out AT someone', not 'to'.

Patternlash out (at someone/something)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Under stress, he angrily criticised those around him.

Natural Under pressure, he lashed out at everyone.

'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 criticsat the staffin angerverbally

Don't confuse it

At B1/B2, 'lash out' may be known as 'to attack physically' (e.g. hit or kick). This C1 sense is figurative: it means to attack with words, not actions.

Try it in Daily Speak →