Expressions With Take
The English language is a treasure trove of expressions, and the verb “take” is one of its most versatile gems. With its ability to morph into numerous phrases that convey a wide range of actions and emotions, “take” is a word that we often “take” for granted. From taking a chance to taking a stand, the expressions that stem from this simple verb are as rich in meaning as they are varied in usage. In this article, we’ll “take” a closer look at some of these expressions, providing examples to illustrate their meanings and how they can be used in everyday language.
Table of Contents
“Take a Break”
To “take a break” means to pause from work or another activity, to rest or relax for a short period.
Example: After studying for three hours straight, she decided to take a break and go for a walk.
“Take a Chance”
To “take a chance” is to risk a certain action, hoping for a positive result despite the possibility of failure.
Example: He wasn’t sure if he’d be the right fit for the job, but he decided to take a chance and apply anyway.
“Take the Edge Off”
This phrase is often used to describe an action that makes something less intense, severe, or unpleasant.
Example: A cup of hot tea can take the edge off a cold winter day.
“Take Effect”
When something begins to “take effect,” it starts to produce the intended results or consequences.
Example: The medication usually takes effect within thirty minutes.
“Take Five”
“Take five” is a colloquial way of saying to take a short, five-minute break, often used in work or rehearsal settings.
Example: Let’s take five before we run through the presentation one more time.
“Take for Granted”
To “take something for granted” means to fail to appreciate something fully, often because it is always available or seen as a given.
Example: Living in the city, we often take clean water for granted.
“Take Heart”
To “take heart” is to gain courage or confidence in a challenging situation.
Example: Take heart; even though the task is difficult, I believe you have what it takes to succeed.
“Take It or Leave It”
This phrase is used to present an offer that is not subject to further negotiation.
Example: This is my final offer for the car; take it or leave it.
“Take It to Heart”
When someone “takes something to heart,” they are deeply affected or hurt by a comment or criticism.
Example: She took the negative feedback to heart and spent the next few weeks improving her work.
“Take No Prisoners”
To “take no prisoners” means to act in a ruthless or uncompromising manner.
Example: In the corporate world, he was known to take no prisoners, always demanding the best from his team.
“Take Note”
To “take note” of something is to pay attention to it or to keep it in mind.
Example: The teacher told the class to take note of the key points in the lecture.
“Take Off”
“Take off” can mean to leave the ground (as in aviation), to depart quickly, or to suddenly become successful or popular.
Example (Aviation): The plane is scheduled to take off at 9 AM.
Example (Depart): Once he saw the security guard, he took off in the opposite direction.
Example (Success): Her business really took off after the product was featured on a popular talk show.
“Take On”
To “take on” something means to accept a responsibility, challenge, or even a competitor.
Example: She’s decided to take on the responsibility of organizing the charity event this year.
“Take One’s Breath Away”
This expression is used when something is so beautiful, astonishing, or surprising that it causes a momentary feeling of breathlessness.
Example: The view from the mountaintop took my breath away.
“Take One’s Time”
To “take one’s time” means to do something without hurrying.
Example: There’s no rush to finish the project; you can take your time.
“Take Sides”
When you “take sides,” you support one person or group in an argument or dispute.
Example: During the debate, I found it difficult to take sides because both arguments had valid points.
“Take the Cake”
To “take the cake” is to be the most remarkable or outlandish in a series of events or situations.
Example: I’ve heard some excuses in my time, but yours takes the cake!
“Take the Lead”
To “take the lead” means to assume a position of leadership or to begin to win in a race or competition.
Example: She took the lead in the project and guided the team to success.
“Take to Heart”
When an experience or piece of advice is “taken to heart,” it’s deeply internalized, affecting one’s emotions or behavior significantly.
Example: Although the criticism was harsh, he took it to heart and worked to improve his skills.
“Take a Hike”
“Take a hike” is a colloquial and often dismissive way to tell someone to go away or leave you alone.
Example: When he realized the conversation was going nowhere, he told the pushy salesperson to take a hike.
“Take a Shot”
To “take a shot” at something means to attempt it, even if success is not guaranteed.
Example: I’ve never tried skiing before, but I’m willing to take a shot at it.
“Take the Plunge”
Taking the plunge refers to committing oneself to a significant act or decision, often after some hesitation.
Example: After years of deliberation, they finally took the plunge and moved to the countryside.
“Take a Toll”
When something “takes a toll,” it causes damage, suffering, or loss over time.
Example: Years of working in a high-stress environment took a toll on her health.
“Take Up Arms”
To “take up arms” is to begin fighting or prepare for a conflict.
Example: They were left with no choice but to take up arms in defense of their land.
“Take a Stand”
Taking a stand involves publicly expressing a firm position on an issue.
Example: The community took a stand against the proposed demolition of the historic building.
“Take Your Pick”
“Take your pick” means you’re free to choose from a range of options.
Example: There are several colors available for this model, so take your pick.
“Take the Bull by the Horns”
To “take the bull by the horns” is to directly confront a difficult situation with confidence and determination.
Example: When the project began to fall behind schedule, she took the bull by the horns and got things back on track.
“Take Stock”
To “take stock” means to pause and think carefully about a situation or one’s circumstances, often before making a decision.
Example: After the company’s poor financial results, the CEO took stock of the situation to plan for the future.
“Take the High Road”
Taking the high road is to choose the most ethical course of action, especially when responding to unfair or unkind treatment.
Example: Despite the personal attacks during the campaign, she chose to take the high road and focus on the issues.
“Take a Leaf Out of Someone’s Book”
To “take a leaf out of someone’s book” means to copy what someone else does because they are successful at it.
Example: Seeing the success of his peer’s innovative marketing, he decided to take a leaf out of his book.
“Take the Floor”
To “take the floor” is to begin speaking or making a presentation in a formal setting.
Example: The chairman took the floor and commenced the annual general meeting.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the verb “take” is a linguistic chameleon, blending into countless scenarios and expressions, each carrying its own shade of meaning. Whether it’s taking a chance on a new opportunity or taking a stand for what’s right, this simple verb helps us articulate the complexities of our actions and decisions. By mastering the various expressions of “take,” English speakers can enrich their communication and express themselves with greater precision and flair. So next time you catch yourself using one of these phrases, you’ll know you’re part of the rich tapestry of English language expression, where “take” has been, quite literally, taken to new heights.
