take
1. verb, informal To swindle, cheat, or con (someone). Often used in passive constructions. I can't believe I let myself get taken like that. I should have known that guy was a scam artist! When all was said and done, that no-good lawyer took us for thousands of dollars.
2. noun, informal One's reaction to, impression of, or opinion about something. Tune in to my podcast this evening to hear my take on this whole situation. She's known for giving pretty hot takes about controversial topics.
3. noun, informal One's particular version or interpretation of something. The film represents the esteemed director's modern take on the classic fairytale.
take (one) for (something)
1. To presume or believe that one is a certain type of person. Huh. I didn't take you for the lying type. I'd advise you not to take her for a fool. She may play dumb, but she's very crafty.
2. To swindle, cheat, or defraud someone out of something, especially some amount of money. When all was said and done, that no-good lawyer took us for thousands of dollars.
3. To bring someone (to some location) in order to treat them to something. The boss said he would take us for pizza at the end of the week. Let's take the kids for ice cream tomorrow.
take (one) to task
To scold, reprimand, lecture, or hold one accountable for some wrong or error they committed. Mom took me to task over my terrible report card. You don't have to take everyone to task who misuses the word "literally," you know.
take it
1. To understand or comprehend something (a certain way). I take it the gig was canceled, judging from the sound of that phone call. We took it to mean that we would only need to file the forms if our initial application wasn't successful. I take it you're leaving in the morning, correct?
2. To endure or tolerate some unpleasant, critical, harsh, or abusive treatment, whether physical or emotional. Tell me what you really thought of my play—be honest, I can take it! Military training is grueling, and some people just can't take it.
taken
1. Already claimed or reserved; spoken for. I'm sorry, this seat is taken. Excuse me, is this table taken?
2. informal By extension, already in a committed romantic relationship. I asked Tom if he wanted to go on a date with me, but it turns out he's taken. I'm flattered, truly, but I'm afraid I'm taken.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
take it
1. Understand, as in I take it they won't accept your proposal. [Early 1500s]
2. Endure abuse, criticism, harsh treatment, or unpleasantness, as in
Tell me what you really think of me-I can take it. [Mid-1800s] This phrase is sometimes modified as
take just so much, meaning "endure only up to a point." For example,
I can take just so much of this nonsense before I lose patience. Also see
take it on the chin;
take lying down.
3. Accept or believe something, as in I'll take it on the doctor's say-so. Also see the subsequent entries beginning with take it.
take something
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
take
1. n. a section of a film that is pronounced acceptable just after it is shot. After seven straight takes the crew demanded a break.
2. n. the amount of money taken in at some event; the money received for the tickets that have been purchased. The take was much larger than we expected.
3. tv. to cheat or deceive someone. When they think you’re going to count your change, they won’t try to take you.
4. tv. to defeat someone, as in a fight. Max thought he could take the guy, but he wasn’t sure.
5. n. money taken in a theft or illegal scheme. Let’s spilt up the take now, not later!
take it
tv. to endure something, physically or mentally. (see also
take it on the chin.)
I just can’t take it anymore. taken
and had and took1. mod. cheated; deceived. I counted my change, and I knew I was taken.
2. mod. drug intoxicated; unconscious from drugs. The guy in the corner booth was taken and crying in his beer.
3. mod. dead. I’m sorry, your cat is taken—pifted. Your cat’s took, lady, tough luck.
4. mod. already claimed as someone’s mate or lover. Sorry, Bill, I’m already taken. Sam and I are engaged.
took
verbMcGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.