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  1. Home /
  2. Dictionaries /
  3. English Dictionary /
  4. take it as it comes

take it as it comes

/teɪk ɪt æz ɪt kʌmz/
deal with situations as they happen

Life can be unpredictable, so I try to take it as it comes.

This means handling whatever happens without excessive planning or worry.


◆ What It Really Means
A mindset of accepting and handling life's events as they happen, without trying to control or predict them.
¶ Literal Meaning
To physically take something as it is being delivered or presented.
Literal Breakdown
taketo receive or accept+ita thing or situation+asin the manner of+itthe thing or situation+comesarrives or happens
◇ Mental Image
A person standing calmly, allowing events to unfold naturally without interference.
◈ When to Use
A friend is stressed about an upcoming exam. You advise them to 'take it as it comes,' meaning they should focus on preparing step by step rather than worrying about the outcome.
◉ Cultural Note
This phrase reflects a cultural value of adaptability and resilience, often associated with a relaxed or philosophical approach to life.
informal

To accept and handle events or circumstances as they occur, without trying to control or predict them.

Instead of stressing about the future, just take it as it comes.

This suggests accepting uncertainty and dealing with things one step at a time.

The project manager advised the team to take it as it comes during the crisis.

This means adapting to unexpected challenges without overreacting.

This phrase is often used to encourage a relaxed or flexible approach to life or work.

Synonyms

go with the flowroll with the punchestake things as they come

Antonyms

overplanmicromanageworry excessively

Related Phrases

go with the flowphrase
to accept and adapt to whatever happens
roll with the punchesphrase
to handle difficulties in a resilient way

Pro Tip

Usage Context

This phrase is best used in informal settings, such as conversations with friends or colleagues, rather than formal or professional contexts.

Gold Rule

Flexibility

The phrase emphasizes adaptability and a non-anxious approach to life's challenges.

Word Origin

The phrase likely originated in the mid-20th century as a way to describe a laid-back or adaptable attitude.

Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in casual conversation to express a philosophy of accepting life's unpredictability.

English Dictionary
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