take stock

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

Critics note that taking stock in a company doesn’t necessarily do much to firm up supply chains.

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Congress authorized the government to take stock in companies through the International Development Finance Corp., which has made some rare earths deals.

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He’s taking stock of his life and his son’s life and the story of the life.

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One almost feels sorry for Maggie until one takes stock of the ways society conditions us to excuse such women.

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"So, we're looking for suppliers like supermarkets to really examine and take stock of what is on their shelves."

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Related Words

• analyze 
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• correct 
• find out 
• go through 
• investigate 
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• monitor 
• probe 
• review 
• scrutinize 
• study 
• test 
• try 
• verify