ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take out

idiom
Meaning

To immobilize with force; to subdue; to incapacitate.


Examples
SIMPLE

The security guard had to take out the aggressive intruder.

CONTEXTUAL

The professional fighter used a quick kick to take out his opponent in the first round.

COMPLEX

The elite tactical team moved silently through the dark warehouse to take out the guards before they could sound the alarm.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  2. 02

    cross to take up

    Alternative form of cross to bear.

  3. 03

    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.

  4. 04

    get taken in

    To be fooled; to fall for.

  5. 05

    give and take

    A process of compromise or accommodation.

  6. 06

    give someone an inch and someone will take a mile

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

  7. 07

    have one's name taken

    To receive a yellow card.

  8. 08

    I take it

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

Last updated April 17, 2026