take a/its toll
idiom
: to have a serious, bad effect on someone or something : to cause harm or damage
If you keep working so hard, the stress will eventually take its toll.
—often + onToo much sunlight can take a (heavy) toll on your skin.
Her illness has taken a toll on her marriage.
Examples of take a/its toll in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Economists expect Trump’s policies to take a toll on America’s economy, the world’s largest.
—
Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Despite their prevalence, UTIs can disrupt daily life and take a toll on overall well-being.
—Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Fewer international travelers could also take a toll on the workforce that props up America's tourism industry: Nearly 10% of American jobs are tied to the travel industry, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
—Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 26 May 2025
If more players follow in his footsteps, KBO baseball may take a toll in quality.
—Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for take a/its toll
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Paul Wiseman, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Despite their prevalence, UTIs can disrupt daily life and take a toll on overall well-being.
—Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Fewer international travelers could also take a toll on the workforce that props up America's tourism industry: Nearly 10% of American jobs are tied to the travel industry, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
—Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 26 May 2025
If more players follow in his footsteps, KBO baseball may take a toll in quality.
—Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for take a/its toll
Cite this Entry
“Take a/its toll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%2Fits%20toll. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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