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Synonyms

take stock

Idioms  

  1. Make an estimate or appraisal, as in We have to take stock of our finances before we can undertake a new project, or The career counselor advised Mark to take stock before changing his plans. This expression transfers making an inventory of goods (stock) to other kinds of appraisal. [Early 1800s]

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.

Here, they take stock of all they have in common, including the titular items as well as a stiff drink, and conclude “Maybe we’re more alike than we think.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

“The ceasefire gives the world a moment to breathe and take stock of events. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that everything will return to normal,” Coatsworth added.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

“We say midlife crisis or whatever, but it’s a time of questioning, a time where you take stock of your life,” says showrunner Aseem Batra.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

It is important now to take stock and remember that defeat will happen again at some point before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

I wave back and then close my eyes to take stock of my situation, because jumping off a cliff seems like a pivotal moment where a little stock-taking should be done.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon

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.