take at one's word
To believe everything (someone) says; to act on what is said.
If you say you don't want this coat, I'll take you at your word and throw it away.
When the king said he wished to be rid of his advisor, a friend took him at his word and murdered the councillor.
take back
bring back
To change or deny something offered, promised, or stated; admit to making a wrong statement.
To bring back is used when you are speaking at the place that an item is bought or borrowed; to take back is used when speaking at another place.
To bring back is used when you are speaking at the place that an item is bought or borrowed; to take back is used when speaking at another place.
I take back my offer to buy the house now that I've had a good look at it.
I want you to take back the unkind things you said about Kenneth.
Ma’am, our store policy is that you can bring back the dress as long as you have your sales receipt.
You can borrow my car if you promise to bring it back by six o’clock.
I have to take this book back to the library today.
take by storm
To capture by a sudden or very bold attack.
The army did not hesitate. They took the town by storm.
To win the favor or liking of; make (a group of people) like or believe you.
The comic took the audience by storm.
John gave Jane so much attention that he took her by storm, and she said she would marry him.
take by surprise
To appear in front of someone suddenly or to suddenly discover him before he discovers you; come before (someone) is ready; appear before (someone) unexpectedly.
The policeman took the burglar by surprise as he opened the window.
When Mrs. Green's dinner guests came half an hour early, they took her by surprise.
To fill with surprise or amazement; astonish.
Ellen was taken by surprise when the birthday cake was brought in.
When our teacher quit in the middle of the year to work for the government, it took us all by surprise.
The offer of a high-paying position with another company took me by surprise.
The president’s announcement that the university was in financial trouble didn’t take anyone by surprise.
take by the scruff
To assert authority over a person.
Tim's mother took him by the scruff and told him to get cleaned up.
To punish a person.
The boss took us by the scruff when he found us chatting idly by the coffee machine.
To assume firm control over a job or a situation that has been causing some difficulty.
Someone had better take the post office by the scruff; there are too many customer complaints pouring in.
take care of
To attend to; supply the needs of.
She stayed home to take care of the baby.
Who is going to take care of your house plants while you are away?
To deal with; do what is needed with.
I will take care of that letter.
The coach told Jim to take care of the opposing player.
take care
To be careful; use wisdom or caution.
Take care that you don't spill that coffee!
We must take care to let nobody hear about this.
take charge
To begin to lead or control; take control or responsibility; undertake the care or management (of persons or things).
When Mrs. Jackson was in the hospital, her sister took charge of the Jackson children until Mrs. Jackson could care for them.
The child care class gave a party for the nursery children, and Mary took charge of the games.
John was elected the new president of the club and took charge at the next meeting.
Bob is a natural leader, and can take charge in an emergency.