ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take guard

idiom
Meaning

(For a new batsman, with help from the umpire) to mark a point on the popping crease in front of his wicket so that he knows where it is behind him; to guard.


Examples
SIMPLE

The new batsman walked out to take guard.

CONTEXTUAL

Before facing his first ball, the nervous young player asked the umpire to help him take guard.

COMPLEX

Arriving at the crease with the game hanging in the balance, the seasoned opener calmly took guard, marking his stance with precision before the bowler began his run-up.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cross to take up

    Alternative form of cross to bear.

  2. 02

    forget to take one's medication this morning

    To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.

  3. 03

    give and take

    A process of compromise or accommodation.

  4. 04

    give someone an inch and someone will take a mile

    Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

  5. 05

    I take it

    Used to express one's understanding of another's position.

  6. 06

    kick ass and take names

    To beat someone in a competition, fight, or other situation.

  7. 07

    let nature take its course

    To permit events to proceed or a situation to develop without intervention or interference.

  8. 08

    take a back seat

    To adopt a position of noninvolvement.

© 2026 English Reference