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

She played well for Seattle last year, but, oh no, she’ll be 36 during the season, and one wonders when the physicality will take its toll.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

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

From Barron's • Dec. 28, 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

He allowed the silence to take its toll.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy