How to explain the meaning and the usage of "dish it out"?

Question

How to explain the meaning and the usage of  "dish it out"?

Answer

This started as a phrase meaning to serve food..from one dish to other plates. Now it can  also mean giving out other things: 'dish out the books'. 
Recently it also means 'to be able to fight/defend oneself.' 
'He can really dish it out.' ... 'He can fight well.'

Answer

dish it out= to administer punishment, injury, abuse, etc
 Example: He can dish it out, but he can't take it.

Answer

1. dishes The containers and often the utensils used when eating: took out the dishes and silverware; washed the dishes.
2.  To present: dished up an excellent entertainment.
3.  To hollow out; make concave.
4. Informal To gossip about.
5. Chiefly British Slang To ruin, foil, or defeat.
v.intr. Informal 
 To talk idly, especially to gossip.
Phrasal Verb: 
dish out
 To dispense freely: likes to dish out advice.
Idiom: 
dish it out Slang 
 To deal out criticism or abuse.

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