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

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 • Nov. 27, 2025

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

From Slate • Oct. 22, 2025

"A lot of players have started all the matches. You can understand why it would take its toll."

From BBC • Jul. 17, 2025

According to MTN, many people were lined up outside of the church well before doors officially opened at 10 a.m. and the brutal heat began to take its toll.

From Salon • Jun. 6, 2024

As I mended ties with my family and prepared for college, Rocco and I continued to talk, but the distance began to take its toll.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana