take lightly
idiom
: to not treat seriously
My doctor took my concerns lightly, telling me not to worry too much.
—usually used in negative statementsThis is a serious problem that should not be taken lightly.
Examples of take lightly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The responsibility is something that myself, Kara Talve and Anže Rozman do not take lightly.
—
Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2026
For the first three months, Cody was able to take family leave and stay with them full time, something Strauss doesn’t take lightly.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Both nations are seen as underdogs, but have several technical and tactically-strong players whom group peers should not take lightly.
—Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 5 Dec. 2025
In Cambodia, being called a traitor is not something to take lightly.
—Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take lightly
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Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2026
For the first three months, Cody was able to take family leave and stay with them full time, something Strauss doesn’t take lightly.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Both nations are seen as underdogs, but have several technical and tactically-strong players whom group peers should not take lightly.
—Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 5 Dec. 2025
In Cambodia, being called a traitor is not something to take lightly.
—Dan Horn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take lightly
Cite this Entry
“Take lightly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20lightly. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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