English Reference
Idiom idiom

it takes


You use this phrase to say how much time, effort, or some other resource is needed to do something.


SIMPLE

“It takes ten minutes to walk to the park.”

CONTEXTUAL

“It takes a lot of patience to learn a new language, but you will succeed if you keep practicing.”

COMPLEX

“It takes immense courage to stand up for your beliefs when everyone else chooses to remain silent during a crisis.”

Last updated June 7, 2026