take five

Idioms  

1. Relax, take some time off from what one is doing, as in We've been at it long enough; let's take five. This term is short for “take five minutes off.” [Slang; first half of 1900s] For a synonym, see take a break.

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Example Sentences

The top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, Bill Essayli, has taken five defendants to trial on charges of assaulting officers — and his office has lost each case.

From Los Angeles Times

Second, use the “5-5-5” breathing method: When you’re stressed in the middle of a trade, close your eyes and take five deep breaths, five times, holding each for five seconds.

From MarketWatch

Al-Zubaidi ran for it, taking five of his top lieutenants to a military camp in Aden.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's taken five years but to know now that Jess's rule is out there and happening and is being received really positively and proactively by primary care colleagues is really, really important," she added.

From BBC

According to a survey from the American Bar Assn. taken five years after the Supreme Court decision, only 9% of attorneys advertised.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breathe
• lean
• lie down
• relax
• sit down
• stretch out