ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take lightly

idiom
Meaning

To treat casually, without seriousness or worry.


Examples
SIMPLE

Do not take this decision lightly.

CONTEXTUAL

The company does not take safety violations lightly, so you must follow all the rules.

COMPLEX

While he often appeared carefree, he never took his professional responsibilities lightly, always ensuring every detail met his high standards.

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

    get off lightly

    To end up with a mild punishment, or without serious harm.

  4. 04

    give and take

    A process of compromise or accommodation.

  5. 05

    give someone an inch and someone will take a mile

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

  6. 06

    I take it

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

  7. 07

    kick ass and take names

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

  8. 08

    let nature take its course

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

© 2026 English Reference