Take Its Toll – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever worked too hard for too long and felt exhausted? Or noticed how stress slowly affects your health? In English, we have a perfect phrase for these gradual negative effects. Today, you will learn the idiom take its toll.
What Does “Take Its Toll” Mean?
“Take its toll” means to cause gradual damage, harm, or negative effects over time. Think of it like a machine that slowly wears out from constant use. It describes how difficult situations can gradually affect people or things.
When to Use It
You can use this idiom in many situations where something causes slow damage. Use it when talking about stress affecting health over time. Use it when difficult work conditions gradually exhaust someone. You can also use it for relationships, buildings, or anything that suffers from prolonged difficulty. This phrase works in both personal and professional conversations.
Example Sentences
- The long hours at work are starting to take their toll on his health.
- Years of sun exposure have taken their toll on her skin.
- The constant arguing is taking its toll on their marriage.
- The harsh winter really took its toll on the old house.
Mini Dialogue
Maria: “You look really tired lately.”
David: “This project is taking its toll on me. I’ve been working 12-hour days for three weeks.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Remember, this idiom is about gradual effects over time. Don’t use it for immediate or sudden damage.
❌ Don’t say: “The car accident took its toll on his leg.” (this was sudden)
✅ Do say: “Years of running have taken their toll on his knees.”
Practice Tip
Think about one thing in your life that causes gradual stress or wear. Try saying: “My [situation] is starting to take its toll on my [health/energy/mood].”
Final Note
Using “take its toll” will help you describe how difficult situations affect people and things over time. It’s a very common and useful phrase in English. Now you’re ready to use this expressive idiom confidently!
