Mete sth out Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Mete sth out” Mean?

“Mete sth out” means to give or deliver something, usually punishment or justice, in a measured or deserved way.

Introduction

The phrase “mete sth out” is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe the act of giving or distributing something, especially punishment, justice, or rewards, in a fair and measured way. Understanding the mete sth out meaning helps learners recognize when someone is talking about assigning consequences or rewards appropriately. This phrasal verb is useful in both spoken and written English, particularly in discussions about fairness, law, or discipline.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: mete something out
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: To give or distribute something, especially punishment or justice

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Mete sth out” is a transitive phrasal verb, meaning it always requires a direct object (something must be meted out).

• Separable: Yes, because the object can be placed between “mete” and “out” when it is a pronoun.
• Examples of patterns:
• Subject + mete + object + out (e.g., The judge meted out the sentence.)
• Subject + mete + out + object (especially with pronouns) (e.g., The judge meted it out carefully.)

How to Use “Mete sth out”?

Use “mete sth out” when talking about giving something in a fair, measured, or deserved way. It is often used with punishments, justice, or rewards. This phrase suggests careful or deliberate distribution rather than random or unfair giving.

Common subjects include authorities, judges, or anyone responsible for deciding consequences. Objects are usually punishments, sentences, justice, or rewards.

Examples

When a teacher disciplines students, they mete out consequences fairly to maintain order.

• The court meted out harsh punishments to the criminals.
• The manager meted out bonuses to employees based on their performance.
• The government meted out justice to those who broke the law.
• Parents sometimes find it difficult to mete out fair discipline.
• The teacher carefully meted out the tasks to each student.

Mete sth out in a sentence: The principal meted out punishments fairly to all students involved in the incident.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse “mete sth out” with similar phrases or use it incorrectly without an object. Remember, “mete out” is transitive and needs an object.

• Incorrect: The judge meted out.
• Correct: The judge meted out the sentence.
• Incorrect: She meted out carefully.
• Correct: She meted out the punishment carefully.

Differences / Synonyms

“Mete sth out” is similar to “hand out,” “dispense,” or “administer,” but it usually implies justice or punishment and a sense of fairness or deservedness.

• Mete out vs Hand out: “Hand out” is informal and often means to give freely or distribute items like papers or gifts. “Mete out” is more formal and relates to justice or punishment.
• Mete out vs Dispense: “Dispense” means to distribute or give out, often in a general sense. “Mete out” is more specific to measured or deserved giving.
• Mete out vs Administer: “Administer” can mean to manage or give treatment, while “mete out” focuses on delivering consequences or justice.

Common Collocations

It’s useful to know what words commonly follow “mete out” to understand its typical use.

• Justice – giving deserved fairness or legal decisions
• Punishment – assigning penalties or consequences
• Sentence – a formal punishment decided by a court
• Discipline – enforcing rules or order
• Consequences – results or effects given based on actions

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation showing how “mete sth out” can be used naturally:

Anna: Did the teacher punish the students who were late?

Mark: Yes, she meted out detention fairly to everyone who arrived late.

Anna: That sounds fair. It’s important to mete out discipline equally.

Practice

Choose the correct sentence to complete the phrase:

• The principal __________ out the rewards based on students’ performance.
• a) meted
• b) meted it
• c) meted them

Answer: a) meted

Fill in the blank:

The judge ________ out the sentence after reviewing all the evidence.

FAQs

• What does “mete sth out” mean? It means to give or distribute something, especially punishment or justice, in a fair or measured way.
• Is “mete out” separable? Yes, when the object is a pronoun, it can be placed between “mete” and “out.”
• Can “mete out” be used for rewards? Yes, it can be used to describe giving rewards or consequences fairly.
• Is “mete out” formal or informal? It is generally used in formal or literary contexts.
• Can I say “mete out” without an object? No, it is a transitive phrasal verb and requires an object.