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3. take its toll

take its toll

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take its toll

also take a toll

to cause harm or suffering Divorce takes its toll on the children involved.

See also: take, toll

take its toll

Be damaging or harmful, cause loss or destruction, as in The civil war has taken its toll on both sides, or The heavy truck traffic has taken its toll on the highways. This expression transfers the taking of toll, a tribute or tax, to exacting other costs. [Late 1800s]

See also: take, toll