take lightly

phrase

: to not treat seriously

My doctor took my concerns lightly, telling me not to worry too much.

—usually used in negative statements

This is a serious problem that should not be taken lightly.

Examples of take lightly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The tiny Kensington restaurant is a rare regional destination for the food of the archipelagos, a responsibility its owner does not take lightly. — Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2026

But as evidenced by the franchise lacking a streak this long for the better part of the past two-plus decades, this isn’t something to take lightly. — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026

The responsibility is something that myself, Kara Talve and Anže Rozman do not take lightly. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2026

Bringing to life a beloved book is a responsibility Connor Storrie doesn’t take lightly. — Maddie Ellis, NBC news, 15 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for take lightly

• brightly
• knightly
• nightly
• rightly
• sightly
• slightly
• sprightly
• tightly
• whitely
• forthrightly
• fortnightly
• politely