[take] a lot out of {sb}
1
to exhaust one mentally or physically in order to be done or achieved
The idiom "take a lot out of someone" is used to describe a situation where an activity or event drains a person physically, emotionally, or mentally, requiring significant effort and leaving them feeling exhausted or depleted. The origin of this idiom can be traced to the concept of taking something out, or extracting energy or vitality from someone due to the demanding nature of a particular task or experience.
- Caring for a newborn baby can take it of new parents, with the constant sleep deprivation and demands.
- The stress of managing a high-pressure job can take a lot out of employees, leading to burnout.
- Going through a difficult breakup can take it someone emotionally, requiring time to heal and recover.
- Studying for long hours during exam season can take a lot out of students, leaving them feeling drained and in need of rest.
- Running a marathon takes a lot out of a person, both physically and mentally.