take a/its toll

phrase

: to have a serious, bad effect on someone or something : to cause harm or damage

If you keep working so hard, the stress will eventually take its toll.

—often + on

Too much sunlight can take a (heavy) toll on your skin.

Her illness has taken a toll on her marriage.

Examples of take a/its toll in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Unseasonably warm temperatures continue to take a toll on Colorado's snowpack, raising concerns about dangerous avalanche conditions across the high country. — Callie Zanandrie, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026 That number could increase, as the Iran war is also expected to take a toll on natural gas costs. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026 While certain types of technology can enhance the way children learn and socialize, excessive screen use can take a toll on their bodies, minds, and relationships. — Katherine Lee, Parents, 13 Mar. 2026 Dealing with these inevitable changes can take a toll on self esteem and perhaps sway you to turn to pricey treatments and expensive skincare. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for take a/its toll

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take aim at

take a/its toll

take a jab at

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“Take a/its toll.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%2Fits%20toll. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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take a/its toll

phrase

Examples of take a/its toll in a Sentence

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