| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| take the pulse |
discover the feelings of the people
|
Before you change the flag, see how people feel. Take their pulse.
|
| take the rap |
receive the blame, take the blame
|
Jeremy took the rap for the crime. He alone was sent to prison.
|
| take the stage |
go onto the stage, be the performer on the stage
|
When Bob Goulet took the stage we heard some great singing.
|
| take the stand |
sit in the witness chair in a courtroom
|
You witnessed the crime, so you will have to take the stand.
|
| take the trouble |
do extra work, do special tasks, take pains
|
Maria always takes the trouble to bake my favorite pie.
|
| take this job and shove it [B] |
I quit, you can keep this job
|
Jim said to the boss, "Take this job and shove it! I'm outa here!"
|
| take time to smell the roses |
use some time to relax and enjoy the scenery
|
Yes, pursue your goals, but take time to smell the roses.
|
| take umbrage |
feel hurt, feel offended, take offense
|
If you refuse her invitation to her party, she'll take umbrage.
|
| take up |
begin a hobby or activity, learn a skill
|
First, Alice took up karate. Then she learned how to meditate.
|
| take up cudgels |
pick up weapons, prepare to defend or attack
|
We may have to take up cudgels against people who invent and spread viruses on the Internet.
|
Brass Nuts Brass Screws Brass Fasteners