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To cause physical, emotional, or mental harm or damage over time, often gradually.
The long hours at the office have taken a toll on his mental well-being.
Working long hours has gradually harmed his mental health.
The pandemic has taken a toll on people's mental health worldwide.
The pandemic has caused widespread harm to people's mental well-being.
This phrase is often used to describe the cumulative negative effects of stress, illness, or difficult circumstances.
Use 'take a toll' when describing the cumulative negative effects of something over time, especially in health or emotional contexts.
While useful, avoid using this phrase too frequently in formal writing; opt for more precise language when possible.
The phrase originates from the idea of a toll being collected, implying a cost or burden. Over time, it evolved to describe the negative impact of something.
This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the long-term effects of stress, illness, or other challenging situations.