take stock


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]

Words Nearby take stock

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use take stock in a sentence

  • He was given time to view his possessions, to take stock of his new position, and then the neighbours began to call.

    The Everlasting Arms | Joseph Hocking
  • Having done so, the occasion seemed opportune to take stock, as it were, of that position.

  • The front-files halted for a moment to take stock of the valley and to settle stray boot-laces.

    Soldier Stories | Rudyard Kipling
  • When the barrage ceased and it was possible to take stock of the result, appalling scenes were often disclosed.

  • I put a lot of miles between me and my recent adventure before I stopped to take stock.

    Highways in Hiding | George Oliver Smith