(one) can dish it out, but (one) can't take it
(one) can dish it out, but (one) can't take it
One is able to voice harsh thoughts, criticisms, or insults toward others, but does not like being the recipient of such treatment. You were all over your sister about her eating habits, but you start pouting when I point out that you had a cupcake for dinner last night! What, you can dish it out, but you can't take it? She's always so quick to mock you when you make a mistake, but she throws a total hissy fit when you call her out on something she's done wrong. She can dish it out, but she clearly can't take it. I'm not surprised the bully backed down when you confronted him. Bullies usually can dish it out, but they can't take it.
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