take account of something—(also: take something into account) take smth. into consideration (when making a decision): Approval procedures should take account of the scientific quality of the project and the experience of the researcher. take an account of something—estimate how many there are of smth.: Immediately upon hearing of the circumstance of the robbery, I […]
Category: Confusing Phrases
Take a turn vs Take turns
take a turn— 1. go for a short walk or ride: It was such a nice day that we decided to take a turn through the park. 2. do one’s share; engage in a short period of activity: There was no wind so … each took a turn at operating the boat under engine power. […]
Take a toll of vs Take a toll on
take a toll of—cause a high number of casualties: The landmines took a toll of several thousand civilian lives. take a toll on—have a very serious effect on a person: The walking was beginning to take a toll on all of us.
Take a stand on something vs Take the stand on something
take a stand on something —(also: take one’s stand on something) adopt a firm position concerning smth.: He sent a selection of newspaper pieces to the authorities with the request that they take a stand on the matter. take the stand on something—vouch for smth.; stand surety for smth.: She is generally believed to be […]
Take a sleigh ride vs Take someone for a sleigh ride
take a sleigh ride—(Drug users) take cocaine (also: go for a sleigh ride): Ernie left the room briefly to take a sleigh ride. take someone for a sleigh ride —(coll.) mislead smb. deliberately; deceive or swindle a person (also: take someone for a ride): Purchasing from a familiar retailer can reduce the risk of being […]
Take a shine to someone vs Take the shine out of someone
take a shine to someone—(coll.) take a fancy to a person; develop a liking for smb.: I suppose I oughtn’t to blame you if Marion’s taken a shine to you. You must have a way with women. take the shine out of someone—(coll.) deprive smb. of his supremacy; surpass a person (also: take the shine […]
Take a seat vs Take one’s seat
take a seat—sit down; seat oneself: I took a seat in the back row where I hoped my person and my note taking would go unnoticed. take one’s seat— 1. sit down in one’s allocated or chosen seat: Archbishop Elder entered the sanctuary and took his seat at the altar. 2. (UK) assume one’s membership […]
Take a place vs Take one’s place
take a place— 1. occupy a proper or natural place: The chemical element Germanium appears to take a place between anti mony and bismuth. 2. seat oneself: Dvorah took a place in the back of the courtroom, where she quietly recited scripture. 3. take up a job in a certain capacity: He condescended to take […]
Take a long look vs Take a long view
take a long look —(also: take a long, hard look) make a detailed and intense examination: Wisconsin residents should take a long look at what their so-called representatives are doing with their money. take a long view—consider events, etc. a long time ahead; have regard for the future: Kennedy called for Americans to take a long […]
Take a liberty vs Take the liberty
take a liberty—(also: take liberties) 1. be unduly or improperly familiar with a person: He would be a bold man who ventured to take a liberty with her, or to overstep the limits laid down by her. 2. make free with smth. such as rules, facts, etc.: I’ll take a liberty with the phrase. To call […]
Take a leave vs Take leave vs Take one’s leave
take a leave—(also: take a leave of absence) take a holiday: I took a leave without pay because I was, of course, being paid by the Colonial Office to go there. take leave— 1. part (from a person) with some expression of farewell: Before he went abroad, he took leave of all his associates. 2. […]
Take a hand at something vs Take a hand in something
take a hand at something—participate in a single round of a card game: We have a room where we can take a hand at whist. take a hand in something—participate or be involved in smth.: We had almost got the plan worked out when the manager decided to take a hand in it.