Taking its toll is a colloquial phrase that means causing gradual damage or distress to someone or something over time. It is often used to describe the negative consequences or impact that an activity, event, or situation has on an individual or an entity.
The phrase "taking its toll" suggests that there is a cumulative effect of the aforementioned factors, leading to a gradual deterioration or harm. The toll taken can be physical, emotional, psychological, or even financial in nature. It implies that the sustained exposure to stress, hardship, or challenging circumstances has a wearisome or detrimental effect.
For instance, one might say that the demanding work schedule of a high-pressure job is taking its toll on an individual's mental and physical health. This indicates that the stresses and strains of the job are gradually wearing down this person's well-being.
Similarly, a prolonged period of intense training or an unhealthy lifestyle might take its toll on an athlete's body, resulting in injuries, fatigue, or a decline in performance.
In broader contexts, the phrase can also be used to convey the long-term consequences of an event or situation. For example, one could say that the economic recession has taken its toll on small businesses, indicating the negative impact it has had on their sustainability, profitability, and possibly resulting in closures or job losses.
Overall, "taking its toll" expresses the accumulative effect of prolonged stress, hardship, or wear on an individual, organization, or system, leading to a state of damage, distress, or decline.
