take it

take it idiom
  1. Understand, as in I take it they won't accept your proposal. [Early 1500s]
  2. Endure abuse, criticism, harsh treatment, or unpleasantness, as in Tell me what you really think of me—I can take it. [Mid-1800s] This phrase is sometimes modified as take just so much, meaning “endure only up to a point.” For example, I can take just so much of this nonsense before I lose patience. Also see take it on the chin; take lying down.
  3. Accept or believe something, as in I'll take it on the doctor's say-so. Also see the subsequent entries beginning with take it.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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take it with a grain of salt176 years ago

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