
IdiomDaily Life
English
take stock
Meaning: To review a situation carefully before deciding what to do.
Example: “After the first year of the business, we sat down to take stock.”
Origin: From shopkeeping, where "taking stock" meant counting the goods on hand. The figurative sense is found from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Faire le point Literally: To fix the point
More English idioms
- protect one's turf To defend one's area of control or responsibility against others.
- chase rainbows To pursue something unrealistic.
- on one's toes Alert and ready to react.
- left high and dry Stranded or abandoned without help.
- a word to the wise A hint or warning that a sensible person will heed.
- a shot across the bow A warning of more serious action to come.
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