hand out — dispense punishment or criticism
to impose or deliver punishment, criticism, or other negative consequences, often in an official or authoritative way.
Say it like a native
Textbook The judge imposed a severe custodial sentence.
Native The judge handed out a tough sentence.
In news/speech, courts 'hand out' sentences and fines; 'impose a custodial sentence' is legal register.
Pattern: hand out + punishment/criticism/sentence
In use
- The coach was quick to hand out criticism after the team's disappointing performance.justice
- Some argue that schools should not hand out harsh punishments for minor infractions, as this can damage students' motivation.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ The referee handed out him a red card.
✓ The referee handed him a red card. / handed out a red card.
When both the person and the thing appear, drop 'out' ('handed him a card') or keep it without the person ('handed out cards').
Common collocations
hand out + penalty— fines, punishment, a sentence, penalties
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1 sense of physically distributing objects, this sense is figurative and refers to giving out non-material things like punishment, criticism, or sentences.
Related
- hand out (distribute) — 'hand out' also has the more basic meaning 'distribute'; this is the advanced sense.