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take stock

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take stock (of something)

to make an appraisal of resources and potentialities. I spent some time yesterday taking stock of my good and bad qualities. We all need to take stock now and then.

See also: stock, take

take stock (of something)

to examine a situation carefully After two days of record snowfalls, millions of Americans began digging out and taking stock of storm damage.

See also: stock, take

take stock

Make an estimate or appraisal, as in We have to take stock of our finances before we can undertake a new project, or The career counselor advised Mark to take stock before changing his plans. This expression transfers making an inventory of goods ( stock) to other kinds of appraisal. [Early 1800s]

See also: stock, take

take stock

1. To take an inventory.

2. To make an estimate or appraisal, as of resources or of oneself.

See also: stock, take