take it

Idioms  

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 .

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

take it

"This is really a by-product of our team trying to take it to the next level. This is an iconic race."

From Barron's ● Aug. 23, 2026

“As a clinician, you’re supposed to take it case-by-case,” says McLarnon, now 34 and a recruitment-strategy manager in Greenville, S.C.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 22, 2026

The plan has been broadly welcomed, but there are calls for students to be able to take it before they get to the point of sitting GCSEs, rather than waiting until sitting them.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

And we had the luxury of being able to do a few takes where he’s like, “Bring it up a bit” or, “OK, that’s good, let’s take it down a bit.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2026

I pour water into a basin and take it to the bedroom to rinse my face.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar