take it

1. 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 .

2. Understand, as in I take it they won't accept your proposal . [Early 1500s]

3. 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 .

Example Sentences

“This exact kind of take-it-and-shut-up deal is why I decided to stand up in the first place,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

We go at it with red faces, clenched fists and sputtering take-it-or-leave-its.

From The Daily Beast

He wuz very peart and sassy, and it was take-it-or-leave-it-and-be-plaguey- quick-about-it all the time.

From Project Gutenberg

"On the take-it-or-leave-it principle, I suppose," answered Dr. Surtaine, with entire good humor.

From Project Gutenberg

"Make it ten down and it's a go," he said at last with a take-it-or-leave-it air.

From Project Gutenberg

This time he handed over a second handkerchief with a ludicrous air of "take-it-and-ruin-it."

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes I would send them forth accompanied by a curt business note of the take-it-or-leave-it order.

From Project Gutenberg