take its toll

Idioms  

1. Be damaging or harmful, cause loss or destruction, as in The civil war has taken its toll on both sides, or The heavy truck traffic has taken its toll on the highways. This expression transfers the taking of toll, a tribute or tax, to exacting other costs. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

But playing long into the summer in sapping conditions to become world champions is beginning to take its toll.

From Barron's

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered a staggered reduction in flights at the start of November as the funding lapse began to take its toll on air-traffic controllers.

From Barron's

But at the height of success, the lifestyle of tour bus toilets, hotel room pizzas and public opinion began to take its toll.

From Los Angeles Times

Of course, Wikipedians are human, and the harassment many of them receive can take its toll.

From Slate

“They’re still trying to figure out the offense, the terminology, and they’ve never played beside the guy they’re next to. The war of attrition really starts to take its toll.”

From Los Angeles Times