Idioms Wayne Magnuson: English Idioms
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Idiom Meaning Example
take care of business do what needs to be done, do my job "You scored a beautiful goal!" "Just taking care of business."
take chances live dangerously, risk something valuable, play with fire Don't take chances with our savings. We worked hard to earn that money.
take charge be in control, supervise Jim will take charge while I'm away. He'll be your supervisor.
take cover hide, find a safe place If the soldiers begin shooting, you guys take cover.
take drugs use drugs, do drugs When I take that drug, I feel sick at my stomach.
take effect have an effect, cause a change In two minutes the drug will take effect and you will feel sleepy.
take exception to be upset about, object to, complain about Vern will take exception to any questions about ethnic origin.
take five rest for five minutes, take a break We've been working hard this morning. Let's take five.
take for granted expect, assume His support cannot be taken for granted. We must ask him.
take heart have courage, be strong When we had troubles, Grandpa said, "Take heart, my children."

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Copyright ©1995-2009 Wayne Magnuson
The contents of this page are free for personal and non-commercial use, provided this copyright notice is kept intact. All further rights, including the rights of publication in any form, have to be obtained by written permission from the publisher:

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A printed version of these idioms is available as ISBN 978 1 895012 09 5 (4th printing).

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