take a pounding
idiom
: to receive repeated hits
The boxer took a pounding in the ring.
—often used figuratively to suggest a setback or lossThe company's stocks took a pounding.
Examples of take a pounding in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This high-end loafer is made to take a pounding and can easily withstand hiking through mountain ranges, walking the beach, and putting in thousands of cobblestoned steps without becoming tattered or ratty-looking, thanks to the pebbled leather outer and thick rubber sole.
—
Kaitlyn McInnis, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2023
Another reason to love this low impact core workout: Because there's no jumps or hops, your joints and ligaments won’t take a pounding even as your muscles work hard and your heart rate climbs.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 4 Aug. 2021
The defense will take a pounding.
—BostonGlobe.com, 14 May 2021
But early in the second half, the junior running back began to take a pounding.
—oregonlive, 13 Dec. 2020
The Dual Compression Full Leg Sleeves with Freeze Packs is excellent for athletes whose legs and calves take a pounding.
—Popular Science, 21 Aug. 2020
Whether the rear axle of the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX can take a direct missile strike as was suggested in a promotional video might be up for debate, but the new high performance truck from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles should certainly be able to take a pounding off road.
—Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 17 Aug. 2020
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.
Kaitlyn McInnis, Travel + Leisure, 23 Jan. 2023
Another reason to love this low impact core workout: Because there's no jumps or hops, your joints and ligaments won’t take a pounding even as your muscles work hard and your heart rate climbs.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 4 Aug. 2021
The defense will take a pounding.
—BostonGlobe.com, 14 May 2021
But early in the second half, the junior running back began to take a pounding.
—oregonlive, 13 Dec. 2020
The Dual Compression Full Leg Sleeves with Freeze Packs is excellent for athletes whose legs and calves take a pounding.
—Popular Science, 21 Aug. 2020
Whether the rear axle of the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX can take a direct missile strike as was suggested in a promotional video might be up for debate, but the new high performance truck from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles should certainly be able to take a pounding off road.
—Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 17 Aug. 2020
Cite this Entry
“Take a pounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%20pounding. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share