take it

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 .

Example Sentences

Since God did not intend “a whole Continent as fruitful and convenient for the use of man to lie waste without any improvement,” the settlers were entitled to take it over and make it better.

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And if I only got to tell Irish stories for the rest of my life, I'd take it.

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The actor, who was at times emotional while speaking to BBC News NI, said he did not take it lightly.

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Pilots were not ordered to take it along.

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Powers decided to take it, just in case.

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