# what it takes

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/what-it-takes
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Everything that is required, especially skill or endurance.

## Examples

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.