take it
Idioms-
Understand, as in I take it they won't accept your proposal . [Early 1500s]
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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 .
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She was home alone and needed help lifting her beloved pet’s body into her car so she could take it to be cremated.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026
Don’t just take it as another travel unpleasantry and move on.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
Norris said: "We'll take it on the chin. There could be more wins this year."
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
And if she says “no” to your request, take it on the chin like the good adult you are.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026
Kathy looked around and tried to take it all in.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
