take a toll (on someone or something)
take a toll (on someone or something)
To cause damage or deleterious effects gradually or through constant action or use. The inclement weather in these parts really takes a toll on the exteriors of the buildings. She just doesn't have her usual quickness. It seems like the long season has taken a toll. Years of smoking and drinking has taken a toll on her health.
See also: someone, take, toll
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
take (quite) a toll (on someone or something)
to cause damage or wear by using something or by hard living. Years of sunbathing took a toll on Mary's skin. Drug abuse takes quite a toll on the lives of people.
See also: take, toll
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- take a toll
- pier
- sock in
- socked in
- preserve from
- preserve (someone or something) from (something)
- preserve against
- preserve
- preserve (someone or something) against (something)
- keep under cover