take its toll

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

But that same physicality can take its toll in the latter stages of the Champions League, when players are feeling the strain after eight months of relentless action.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

Of course, Wikipedians are human, and the harassment many of them receive can take its toll.

From Slate • Oct. 22, 2025

"A lot of players have started all the matches. You can understand why it would take its toll."

From BBC • Jul. 17, 2025

The victory, though sweet, began to take its toll on Vázquez.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2024

As I mended ties with my family and prepared for college, Rocco and I continued to talk, but the distance began to take its toll.

From "How Dare the Sun Rise" by Sandra Uwiringiyimana