what it takes
Everything that is required, especially skill or endurance.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She has what it takes to win the race.”
“The coach believes the young player has what it takes to succeed at the professional level.”
“Although the task was daunting, he possessed the resilience and expertise required to prove he had what it takes to lead the project to completion.”
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ain't what it used to was
Is not what it used to be; (expressing nostalgia).
- 02
be taken ill
To become ill.
- 03
come what may
In spite of anything that might happen; whatever may occur.
- 04
cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 05
do exactly what it says on the tin
To do what is described or what one would expect, with no further explanation needed.
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do what
An intensified version of what? or huh?, expressing surprise or lack of comprehension
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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.
- 08
get taken in
To be fooled; to fall for.
Last updated August 10, 2026