Phrases & Expressions

To find something by chance or accident.

• She stumbled upon an old diary in the attic.
• While walking, I stumbled upon a hidden path.

To accept something unpleasant without complaining.

• It's only one more week, so just suck it up.
• You have to suck it up and move on.

To trust someone or something completely.

• I swear by this recipe; it always works.
• My grandmother swears by herbal remedies.

To try something even though it might fail.

• Sometimes you have to take a chance.
• He took a chance and applied for the job.

To stop for a short time, especially to think about something.

• Take a moment to consider your options.
• Please take a moment before you answer.

To pause for a short period, often to think or rest.

• Take a moment to appreciate the view.
• He took a moment before answering.

To look at something quickly and briefly, often secretly or without being noticed.

• Can I take a peek at your notes?
• He took a peek behind the curtain to see who was there.

To do something that may have a bad result.

• Don't take unnecessary risks.
• She took a big risk by starting her own business.

To fall down suddenly, often losing balance.

• He took a tumble on the icy path.
• Stock prices took a tumble last week.

To do something for a while as one of several people who share it.

• Let me take a turn at the wheel so you can rest.
• Each child took a turn reading a page aloud.