Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (196 page)

take it on the chin
to experience and endure a direct blow or assault.
The bad news was a real shock, and John took it on the chin
.
The worst luck comes my way, and I always end up taking it on the chin.

Take it or leave it
.
That is all there is.; There is no choice.; Take this one or none.
B
ILL
: That's my final offer. Take it or leave it. B
OB
: Aw, come on! Take off a few bucks
.
B
ILL
: Aw, I want eggs for breakfast, Mom. M
OTHER
: There's only Sweet Wheets left. Take it or leave it.

take it to
one's
grave
to carry a secret with one until one dies.
I will never tell anyone. I'll take your secret to my grave
.
She took the answer to the mystery to her grave.

Take my word for it
.
Believe me.; Trust me, I am telling you the truth.
B
ILL
: Take my word for it. These are the best encyclopedias you can buy. B
OB
: But I don't need any encyclopedias
.
R
ACHEL
: No one can cook better than Fred. Take my word for it. B
ILL
: Really? F
RED
: Oh, yes. It's true.

take
someone
by surprise
to startle someone; to surprise someone with something unexpected.
Oh! You took me by surprise. I didn't hear you come in
.
Bill took his mother by surprise by coming to the door and pretending to be a solicitor.

take
someone or something
at face value
to accept someone or something based on outward appearance.
Don't just take her offer at
face value. Think of the implications.
Jane tends to take people at face value, and so she is always getting hurt.

take
someone's
part
to take a side in an argument; to support someone in an argument.
My sister took my mother's part in the family argument
.
You are always taking the part of underdog!