ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take the meaning

idiom
Meaning

To interpret someone's argument.


Origin

disputed origin

From take + the + meaning.

Examples
SIMPLE

I take your meaning, but I still disagree.

CONTEXTUAL

She explained the new policy clearly so that everyone would take her meaning without any confusion.

COMPLEX

Although he spoke in vague metaphors, the audience eventually took his meaning and understood the gravity of the situation.

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.

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