to have a serious negative effect on someone or something over time · to cause damage or suffering
This phrase is super handy when you want to explain that a difficult situation, job, or even a bad habit is slowly but surely causing negative effects on someone's well-being (often emotional or mental) or on something's condition. It's perfect for expressing how stress, lack of sleep, or continuous challenges are wearing someone down. Think of it like a slow, steady drain on energy or happiness! 😩
💡 **Pro Tip!** While 'to take a toll' can refer to physical effects, it's very commonly used for mental and emotional strain. You might hear people say, "The constant worrying took a toll on my mental health." It implies a cumulative, long-term impact rather than a sudden, one-off event. It's often used with words like 'stress', 'pressure', 'grief', or 'work'.
Which situation best describes using "to take a toll on someone/something"? A. 🎉 Celebrating a big achievement with friends and feeling fantastic. B. 😥 Experiencing long periods of high stress at work, leading to exhaustion. C. 🏃♀️ Winning a marathon and feeling energized and proud.