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
While the quarterbacks are poised to compete for playing time, the competition will also take a toll on other players on the team.
—
Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
That would take a toll on both countries’ economies.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
In addition to putting stress on the body, hot weather can also take a toll on the brain and mental health.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
Working longer can take a toll on your physical and mental health, especially if your job is demanding or stressful.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for take a/its toll
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.
Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
That would take a toll on both countries’ economies.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 27 June 2025
In addition to putting stress on the body, hot weather can also take a toll on the brain and mental health.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025
Working longer can take a toll on your physical and mental health, especially if your job is demanding or stressful.
—Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 25 June 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 6 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share