take one's time

English

Pronunciation

  • Audio (General Australian):(file)

Verb

take one's time (third-person singular simple present takes one's time, present participle taking one's time, simple past took one's time, past participle taken one's time)

  1. (intransitive, idiomatic) To go about something slowly and carefully or at one's own pace.
    Take your time — there's no need to rush.
    • 1951 July, “Notes and News: Recalling 160 Years”, in Railway Magazine, page 492:
      Working with pick, shovel, and wheelbarrow, he took his time over the job, for it was not until May 17, 1816, that it was opened for traffic.
    • 1975 July, Alan Merrill, Jake Hooker, “I Love Rock 'n' Roll”, in I Love Rock 'n Roll[1], performed by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, published January 1982:
      "I love rock 'n roll
      So put another dime in the jukebox, baby
      I love rock 'n roll
      So come and take your time and dance with me"
  2. (intransitive, idiomatic) To take more time to do something than is considered acceptable.
    You sure took your time getting here!

Synonyms

  • (to go about something slowly and carefully):
  • (take more time to do something than is considered acceptable): dawdle, take too long, tarry

Translations

References