Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪk stɹˈiːts] (IPA) 
The phrase "take streets" is spelled using the phonetic transcription /teɪk/ /stri:ts/. The first part, "take," is pronounced as /teɪk/, with a long "a" sound followed by a hard "k" sound. The second part, "streets," is pronounced as /stri:ts/, with a long "e" sound followed by a hard "ts" sound. When combined, these sounds create the familiar phrase that refers to taking to the streets in protest or demonstration.
Take streets is a colloquial idiom that refers to the act of occupying or protesting on public roads or highways as a means of expressing public discontent or a specific political or social cause. The phrase "take streets" is commonly used to describe a collective action taken by a group of individuals who gather in public spaces, road intersections, or thoroughfares, with the intention of either disrupting normal traffic flow or drawing attention to a particular issue.
Taking streets typically involves the use of various forms of civil disobedience, such as blocking traffic, staging sit-ins, or marching together in organized demonstrations. This action is often used as a symbolic way to make a statement and create public awareness and support for a particular cause. By interrupting normal routines and inconveniencing individuals, taking streets aims to capture both media and public attention, thereby amplifying the message of the protest.
The act of taking streets is commonly associated with social and political movements advocating for change, justice, or reform. Examples include protests against government policies, racial injustice, discrimination, inequality, climate change, or any issue that resonates with a significant portion of the population. While taking streets is generally a nonviolent form of protest, there have been instances where clashes or confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement authorities have occurred, resulting in varying degrees of tension and conflict.
The phrase "take streets" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of the words "take" and "streets". However, we can look at the origins of both words individually.
1. "Take": The word "take" dates back to Old English, where it originally meant "to grasp or seize". It has Germanic origins, related to the Old Norse word "taka" and the Old High German word "zehhan". Over time, the meaning of "take" expanded, covering various actions such as "capture", "get hold of", "obtain", or "accept".
2. "Streets": The word "street" comes from the Old English word "stræt", which can be traced back to the Latin "via strata". "Via" means "way" or "road", and "strata" means "paved".
