take time

idiom

1
: to need or require time to happen or be done
You have to be patient. Things like this take time.
It may take some time for the medication to wear off.
The meeting won't take too much time.
This job is easy and will take no time at all.
2
or take the time : to use an amount of time in order to do something important
They never took the time to get to know her.
I took some time to think about it, and my answer is still "no."

Examples of take time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Emotional intelligence and coping skills take time to develop and often begin with parenting. Kelsey Mora, Contributor, CNBC, 19 Jan. 2025 Those gases take time to dissipate, de Gouw says, during which period residents may still be exposed. Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 19 Jan. 2025 An analysis of what led to the drop in water pressure and how to prevent it from happening again will take time, said Uphadyay, the MWD official. Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Crews are working hard, but cleanup will take time in these conditions. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for take time 

Cite this Entry

“Take time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20time. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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