Take a toll Meaning in English
expression
ˈteɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈtoʊɫ
TAYK-uh-TOHL
tˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /tˈəʊl
TAYK-uh-TOHL
Definition
If something "takes a toll," it causes harm, damage, or negative effects, often gradually over time.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiomatic, somewhat formal or neutral expression. Usually used with 'on' ("take a toll on your health"). Refers to slow or accumulating negative effects, not one-time events. Similar expressions: "wear down", "have a negative impact".
Spanish: pasar factura - afectar negativamentePortuguese (BR): cobrar seu preço - afetar negativamentePortuguese (PT): cobrar o seu preço - afetar negativamenteChinese (Simplified): 造成损害 - 产生不良影响Chinese (Traditional): 造成損害 - 產生不良影響Hindi: अपना असर डालना - नुकसान पहुँचानाArabic: يترك أثراً سلبياً - يؤثر سلباًBengali: ক্ষতি করা - প্রভাব ফেলা (নেতিবাচক)Russian: негативно сказываться - наносить вредJapanese: 悪影響を及ぼす - ダメージを与えるVietnamese: gây ảnh hưởng xấu - gây hạiKorean: 악영향을 미치다 - 해를 끼치다Turkish: zarar vermek - olumsuz etkisi olmakUrdu: نقصان پہنچانا - منفی اثر ڈالناIndonesian: mengambil korban - berdampak buruk
Example Sentences
Lack of sleep can take a toll on your health.
basic
Working too much may take a toll on family life.
basic
Pollution has taken a toll on the river.
basic
These long shifts are really taking a toll on me lately.
natural
All that stress will eventually take a toll if you’re not careful.
natural
Years of sun exposure have taken a toll on her skin.
natural