take


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take

1. verb, informal To swindle, cheat, or con (someone). Often used in passive constructions. I can't believe I let myself get taken like that. I should have known that guy was a scam artist! When all was said and done, that no-good lawyer took us for thousands of dollars.
2. noun, informal One's reaction to, impression of, or opinion about something. Tune in to my podcast this evening to hear my take on this whole situation. She's known for giving pretty hot takes about controversial topics.
3. noun, informal One's particular version or interpretation of something. The film represents the esteemed director's modern take on the classic fairytale.

take (one) for (something)

1. To presume or believe that one is a certain type of person. Huh. I didn't take you for the lying type. I'd advise you not to take her for a fool. She may play dumb, but she's very crafty.
2. To swindle, cheat, or defraud someone out of something, especially some amount of money. When all was said and done, that no-good lawyer took us for thousands of dollars.
3. To bring someone (to some location) in order to treat them to something. The boss said he would take us for pizza at the end of the week. Let's take the kids for ice cream tomorrow.
See also: for, take

take (one) to task

To scold, reprimand, lecture, or hold one accountable for some wrong or error they committed. Mom took me to task over my terrible report card. You don't have to take everyone to task who misuses the word "literally," you know.
See also: take, task, to

take it

1. To understand or comprehend something (a certain way). I take it the gig was canceled, judging from the sound of that phone call. We took it to mean that we would only need to file the forms if our initial application wasn't successful. I take it you're leaving in the morning, correct?
2. To endure or tolerate some unpleasant, critical, harsh, or abusive treatment, whether physical or emotional. Tell me what you really thought of my play—be honest, I can take it! Military training is grueling, and some people just can't take it.
See also: take

taken

1. Already claimed or reserved; spoken for. I'm sorry, this seat is taken. Excuse me, is this table taken?
2. informal By extension, already in a committed romantic relationship. I asked Tom if he wanted to go on a date with me, but it turns out he's taken. I'm flattered, truly, but I'm afraid I'm taken.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

take something

to endure something; to survive something. I don't think I can take any more scolding today. I've been in trouble since I got up this morning. Mary was very insulting to Tom, but he can take it.

take it

to endure something, physically or mentally. (Often negative.) I just can't take it anymore. If you can't take it, quit.
See also: take
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

take it

1. Understand, as in I take it they won't accept your proposal. [Early 1500s]
2. Endure abuse, criticism, harsh treatment, or unpleasantness, as in Tell me what you really think of me-I can take it. [Mid-1800s] This phrase is sometimes modified as take just so much, meaning "endure only up to a point." For example, I can take just so much of this nonsense before I lose patience. Also see take it on the chin; take lying down.
3. Accept or believe something, as in I'll take it on the doctor's say-so. Also see the subsequent entries beginning with take it.
See also: take

take something

see under take it.
See also: something, take
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

take it

submit to, tolerate, or endure a bad experience or hardship.
See also: take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

ˈtake it (that...)

think or suppose (that something is true, will happen, etc.): ‘I take it that you won’t be back for lunch,’ she said as they left. ♢ You speak French, I take it?
See also: take

ˈtake it

(informal) (often used with can/could) be able to bear or tolerate something difficult or unpleasant such as stress, criticism or pain: They argued so much that finally he couldn’t take it any more and he left her. ♢ People are rude to her in her job, and she feels she’s taken it for long enough.
See also: take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

take

1. n. a section of a film that is pronounced acceptable just after it is shot. After seven straight takes the crew demanded a break.
2. n. the amount of money taken in at some event; the money received for the tickets that have been purchased. The take was much larger than we expected.
3. tv. to cheat or deceive someone. When they think you’re going to count your change, they won’t try to take you.
4. tv. to defeat someone, as in a fight. Max thought he could take the guy, but he wasn’t sure.
5. n. money taken in a theft or illegal scheme. Let’s spilt up the take now, not later!

take it

tv. to endure something, physically or mentally. (see also take it on the chin.) I just can’t take it anymore.
See also: take

taken

and had and took
1. mod. cheated; deceived. I counted my change, and I knew I was taken.
2. mod. drug intoxicated; unconscious from drugs. The guy in the corner booth was taken and crying in his beer.
3. mod. dead. I’m sorry, your cat is taken—pifted. Your cat’s took, lady, tough luck.
4. mod. already claimed as someone’s mate or lover. Sorry, Bill, I’m already taken. Sam and I are engaged.

took

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

take

/call/bring to task
To reprimand or censure.

take it

1. To understand; assume: As I take it, they won't accept the proposal.
2. Informal To endure abuse, criticism, or other harsh treatment: If you can dish it out, you've got to learn to take it.
See also: take
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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Merged with the wedding party scene of the poem's title, where Jesus advises us to take the low place, are some of his other surprising sayings that turn conventions upside down: the wedding parable at which people are pulled in off the street; the promise of room for all in his Father's mansion.
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