take someone's life

1. Kill someone, as in They argued about invoking the death penalty for taking someone's life . [c. 1300]

2. take one's own life . Commit suicide, as in Most churches have long opposed taking one's own life . [First half of 1900s]

3. take one's life in one's hands . Take a serious risk, as in Climbing without oxygen is really taking your life in your hands .

Example Sentences

Stephanie McDonagh said: "We don't know if it was provoked or self-defence. Regardless of what happened, that doesn't give someone the right to take someone's life."

From BBC

“But at the same time, you do have these absolute nonsense, out-of-nowhere, irresponsible people, it almost makes me wonder if they realize that they have the potential to take someone’s life away.”

From Washington Times

Mills said, urging New Yorkers in a similar situation: “Don’t attack. Don’t choke. Don’t kill. Don’t take someone’s life. Don’t take someone’s loved one from them because they’re in a bad place.”

From Washington Times

“Criminal justice reform shouldn’t mean that there is no accountability and that you can brutally take someone’s life and get a slap on the wrist.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I beg you all to consider your words before you speak them for someone may use those words to justify action, action that may take someone’s life.”

From Washington Times