Hi Everyone! Welcome to today’s mini vocabulary lesson on expressions with the word “take”. By the end of this blog, you will have learned 11 common expressions that you will be able to use in your day-to-day English. Except for #7, these expressions are considered informal and are not usually seen in writing. Let’s get started!
1. take a look
definition: to look at something in detail
(We are not talking about a quick look.)
examples:
Can you take a look at this email I got? I don’t really understand it.
In this lesson, we are taking a look at “take” expressions.
The doctor took a look in my ears.
Remember the verb forms for “take”: take – took – taken
2. take place
definition: something happens at this time or location
examples:
I’m reading a book which takes place in the Amazon rainforest.
The events in this documentary take place during WW2 (World War 2).
3. give or take (+ number)
definition: We add or subtract a number because we don’t know the exact number.
examples:
My commute to work is about 30 minutes, give or take five minutes.
The repair should cost $100, give or take.
4. take turns
definition: two people alternate doing something
examples:
We’ll take turns driving during the road trip to make sure no one gets too tired.
The soldiers took turns sleeping and guarding the camp.
5. I take it + subject + verb
definition: I strongly believe this, but I’m not 100% sure. This is just my observation.
examples:
I take it you’re not interested in the job offer, considering your hesitation.
I take it the meeting went well, given your upbeat mood.
6. to take the fall (for someone / something)
definition: People blame you for another person’s mistake / crime.
examples:
Doug’s parents found cigarettes in his coat pocket. His older brother took the fall and said that they were actually his. He didn’t want his little brother to get in trouble.
You can’t take the fall for Amy. She’s the one who forgot to lock the door, not you.
7. take advantage of someone / something
definition: You use someone / something for your own benefit. This is not a positive thing.
examples:
I feel like people take advantage of my friendliness. They think I’ll say “yes” to anything.
Many companies take advantage of the lower costs by outsourcing their customer service departments overseas.
If you’re finding these expressions with “take” useful, please be sure to check out my store below! 
8. to take something off one’s hands
definition: to help someone by taking over a task or item they don’t want to deal with anymore
examples:
If you’re too busy to manage the bake sale, I can take it off your hands and run it for you.
If the puppy is too much work right now, I can take her off your hands for a few days and give you a break.
9. to take something the wrong way
definition: to get upset or offended by what someone says or does, even if they didn’t mean to cause any harm
examples:
My teenage daughter takes everything I say the wrong way.
I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but your cooking has really improved.
10. it takes two to tango
definition: both people involved in a problem are responsible
examples:
Leonard blames his ex-wife for all of their marital problems. I reminded him that it takes two to tango.
Everyone thinks I’m solely to blame for the project’s failure, but it takes two to tango, and my partner didn’t pull his weight either.
11. take it slow
definition: to do something in a careful and relaxed way
examples:
After the surgery, the doctor advised Camille to take it slow and not exert herself too much.
Since this is your first time skiing, it’s important to take it slow and start with the beginner slopes.
