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

“The court’s left with this dilemma that I have not faced in my entire time on the bench and I don’t take it lightly,” Birotte said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

"Go to the Strait and just take it," he added.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The special-ops forces would have to sneak into Iran, find the stuff, perhaps burrowing into tunnels to do so, and somehow take it elsewhere.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

With a physical check, you usually have more choices: deposit it at your current bank or take it instead to, say, your credit union.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

She offered Torak his, but he didn’t take it.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver