take a/its toll
idiom
: to have a serious, bad effect on someone or something : to cause harm or damage
If you keep working so hard, the stress will eventually take its toll.
—often + onToo much sunlight can take a (heavy) toll on your skin.
Her illness has taken a toll on her marriage.
Examples of take a/its toll in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There’s probably a decent chance nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring) is back this week and the team is optimistic safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) will make it through protocol soon, but these new injuries will take a toll and test depth.
—
Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024
These periods of constant light and day-long dark can take a toll on the body and mind.
—Yahya Salem, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024
So there’s a lot going on that will, and does, take its toll.
—Jim Clash, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Repeat disasters have started to take a toll on many local residents.
—Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for take a/its toll 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2024
These periods of constant light and day-long dark can take a toll on the body and mind.
—Yahya Salem, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024
So there’s a lot going on that will, and does, take its toll.
—Jim Clash, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Repeat disasters have started to take a toll on many local residents.
—Mira Rojanasakul, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for take a/its toll
Dictionary Entries Near take a/its toll
Cite this Entry
“Take a/its toll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%2Fits%20toll. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share