take its toll

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

But the hot weather was starting to take its toll on the cat.

From Los Angeles Times

They will maintain their standards, but with no cover as things stand for the brilliant Rodri, and a reliance on him to play all their games, that may take its toll.

From BBC

As global warming continues to take its toll, the number of training cities gets smaller and cities able to host the Winter Olympics are fewer.

From Los Angeles Times

According to MTN, many people were lined up outside of the church well before doors officially opened at 10 a.m. and the brutal heat began to take its toll.

From Salon

Students say they know that the demands at the private space firms can take its toll on mental and physical health.

From Seattle Times