take its toll — cause gradual damage (often over time)
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutralcommon
to have a negative effect on someone or something, especially gradually and in a way that becomes serious over time
Say it like a native
Textbook The prolonged stress had a detrimental cumulative effect on her health.
Native The stress was really taking its toll on her health.
'Take its toll' is the idiomatic way to say something is gradually wearing you down.
Pattern: take its toll (on someone/something)
In use
- Years of working night shifts have really taken their toll on her health.health
- I believe that constant exposure to noise pollution can take its toll on people's mental well-being, especially in big cities.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ The job is taking a toll to her.
✓ The job is taking its toll on her.
'Take ITS toll ON' someone — the wording is fixed.
Common collocations
take its toll + on— on her health, on the team, over the years, mentally
Don't confuse it
Unlike simple verbs like 'hurt' or 'damage', 'take its toll' emphasizes a gradual, often invisible impact that builds up over time. It is not used for sudden or one-off events.