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