take stock

Idioms  

1. Make an estimate or appraisal, as in We have to take stock of our finances before we can undertake a new project, or The career counselor advised Mark to take stock before changing his plans. This expression transfers making an inventory of goods (stock) to other kinds of appraisal. [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

“The ceasefire gives the world a moment to breathe and take stock of events. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that everything will return to normal,” Coatsworth added.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

F1's bosses initially agreed to take stock of the rules after the first three races and analyse whether changes could be made.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

How you’re feeling in this moment with “Frankenstein”? How do you take stock of the small moments in this big production?

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

—Oil prices were steady as traders take stock of developments to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

A wild creature released or escaped from captivity will usually run as fast and far away from its prison as it can before stopping to rest and take stock.

From "Tiger, Tiger" by Lynne Reid Banks

Related Words

• analyze
• confirm
• correct
• find out
• go through
• investigate
• look at
• monitor
• probe
• review
• scrutinize
• study
• test
• try
• verify