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Synonyms

what it takes

Idioms  

  1. The necessary expertise or qualities, as in She's got what it takes to make a good doctor, or Inherited wealth is what it takes to maintain that lifestyle. This idiom uses what in the sense of “that which” and take in the sense of “require.” [1920]

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.

Just like not everyone is destined to be an actor, even fewer actors have what it takes to direct.

From Salon

Just like not everyone is destined to be an actor, even fewer actors have what it takes to direct.

From Salon

“It gave me a much broader perspective of what it takes to run a business,” Fakonas said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before the game, Redick said he’s had conversations with James about what it takes to play at such a high level for so long.

From Los Angeles Times

“You’re not going to make the playoffs being at that level. So we’ve got to make sure that we recapture that feeling of what it takes to be consistent.”

From Los Angeles Times

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.