Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (195 page)

take a toll (on
someone or something) to cause harm to someone or something through abuse.
Years of sunbathing took a toll on Mary's skin
.
Drug abuse takes a heavy toll on the lives of people and their families.

Take care (of yourself). 1
.
Good-bye and keep yourself healthy.
J
OHN
: I'll see you next month. Good-bye. B
OB
: Good-bye, John. Take care of yourself
.
M
ARY
: Take care. S
UE
: Okay. See you later
.
2
.
Take care of your health and get well.
M
ARY
: Don't worry. I'll get better soon. S
UE
: Well, take care of yourself. Bye
.
J
ANE
: I'm sorry you're ill. B
OB
: Oh, it's nothing. J
ANE
: Well, take care of yourself.

Take heart
.
Be brave.; Be consoled.; Be cheered.
Take heart. Things are not as bad as they seem
.
I'm sorry for your troubles, but take heart. Things are bound to improve.

Take it easy. 1
.
Good-bye and be careful.
M
ARY
: Bye-bye. B
ILL
: See you, Mary. Take it easy.
S
UE
: Take it easy, Tom. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. T
OM
: Could you give me a short list of things you wouldn't do?
2
.
Be gentle.; Treat someone carefully.
S
UE
: Then I want you to move the piano and turn all the mattresses. A
NDREW
: Come on. Take it easy! I'm not made of steel, you know
.
H
ENRY
: Oh, I'm pooped. A
LICE
: You just need a little rest and you'll feel as good as new. Just take it easy
.
3
.
Calm down.; Relax.; Do not get excited.
A
NDREW
: I am so mad, I could blow my top! R
ACHEL
: Now, now. Take it easy. What's wrong?
Mary could see that Sally was very upset at the news. “Now, just take it easy,” said Mary. “It can't be all that bad.
”