unload

unload from (something)

1. To remove (some load or cargo) from a particular location. A noun or pronoun can be used between "unload" and "from" to specify the cargo or vehicle that is being unloaded. Why are you unloading the truck from the street? It will be much easier if you pull up into the driveway! A: "Where's Tom?" B: "He's helping the warehouse unload supplies from out back."

2. To remove some load or cargo from something used to store or transport it. A noun or pronoun is used between "unload" and "from." Will you give me a hand unloading these books from the van? It took me most of the day to unload all that coal from the shed.

See also: unload

unload on (someone or something)

1. To remove (some load or cargo) from something and place it on something else. A noun or pronoun can be used between "unload" and "on" to specify what's being unloaded. The workers just unloaded the supplies right on the curb. Why didn't they at least carry them up to the door of the office? You'd have a much easier time if you unloaded those boxes on pallets for the forklifts to move. We won't be able to unload on the docks, so we'll have to find some place else.

2. To force someone or something to take or deal with some unwanted, burdensome, difficult, or stressful person or thing so that one no longer has to. No way! I don't mind looking after your kids for an afternoon, but there's no way you're unloading them on me for the entire weekend. The country has effectively been unloading its financial problems on its neighbors for the last two years. I tried unloading a lot of this useless old junk on my friends and family, but there was still a ton of stuff I had to throw away.

3. To share one's intimate emotions, thoughts, or secrets with someone else, especially that which is troubling, stressful, or distressing. I had simply asked him how things had been, when suddenly he unloaded on me about all the problems he's been dealing with at work. I'm sorry for unloading on you like that. I just haven't had anyone to talk to since the divorce.

4. To criticize or scold someone very harshly or severely. The boss came in and unloaded on all of us for the project's failure. I don't know why you're unloading on me—I didn't do anything wrong!

See also: on, unload

unload onto (someone or something)

1. To remove (some load or cargo) from something and place it on something else. A noun or pronoun can be used between "unload" and "onto" to specify what's being unloaded. The workers just unloaded the supplies right onto the curb. Why didn't they at least carry them up to the door of the office? You'd have a much easier time if you unloaded those boxes onto pallets for the forklifts to move. We won't be able to unload onto the docks, so we'll have to find some place else.

2. To force someone or something to take or deal with some unwanted, burdensome, difficult, or stressful person or thing so that one no longer has to. A noun or pronoun is used between "unload" and "onto." No way! I don't mind looking after your kids for an afternoon, but there's no way you're unloading them onto me for the entire weekend. The country has effectively been unloading its financial problems onto its neighbors for the last two years. I tried unloading a lot of this useless old junk onto my friends and family, but there was still a ton of stuff I had to throw away.

See also: unload

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

unload someone or something on (to) someone

to get rid of a burdensome person or thing on someone else. I unloaded my obnoxious little cousin onto his aunt. I didn't mean to unload my problems onto you.

See also: on, unload

unload something from something

to take things off of something; to remove the burden from something. Please unload the groceries from the car. I unloaded the groceries from the bags.

See also: unload

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

unload

tv. to get rid of someone or something. We’re gonna unload all the cats and dogs during the Christmas rush.

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.