Take it easy

Use 'take it easy' to talk about lowering the level of effort or intensity

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Take it easy

“Take it easy” is a very common expression in English, but it doesn’t actually have much to do with “easy” or “hard” in the usual sense . Instead, “take it easy” is all about the amount of physical or emotional effort we choose to put into something. And when we take it easy, we lower the level of effort . I’m going to give you two big ways to use “take it easy” and one small way to use it.

To relax or avoid overdoing it

One of the most common ways we use “take it easy” is when we’re talking about relaxing or not pushing ourselves too hard . For example, what are your plans for this coming weekend? If you think this week is going to be hard, and if you want to relax over the weekend, you might say, “I’m going to take it easy this weekend.”

“I’m going to take it easy” means, “I’m not going to do high-energy activities .”

“I’m going to take it easy” means, you’re going to spend the time relaxing, recovering your strength . This looks different for different people, but it might mean spending time at home, watching movies, reading books, going for a walk in the neighborhood, playing with your dog, or just enjoying a quiet day without any big plans. It’s all about choosing to relax instead of jumping into anything too intense , too demanding .

Similarly, if you’re feeling under the weather —that means if you’re a little sick —someone might tell you to “take it easy.” In this case, it means you should rest , maybe stay home from work, skip that exercise class , avoid doing anything that could make you feel worse. It’s a way of saying, “Don’t push yourself; don’t overdo it ; let your body recover .” Take it easy this week.

In both of these situations, “take it easy” is about not putting too much strain on yourself. It’s usually physical, but sometimes mental, too. Recharge your batteries . Take it easy.

To take a laid-back approach or calm down

Another way we use “take it easy” is when we’re encouraging someone to stay calm or not let things bother them, especially emotionally . It’s common to use this in the imperative —when we’re telling someone else to “take it easy.” We want them to lower the temperature a little. We don’t them to get too upset.

Imagine a situation where someone is getting upset, getting angry, over something small. You’re in line at a restaurant, with a group. You’re all hungry; there are six of you. The restaurant seats someone that arrived after you—a table for two got there after you, but got their table first. Not fair !

And imagine your friend starts to get really upset and starts complaining to the manager. You might say, “Take it easy, it’s not a big deal .”

“Take it easy.” Here, you’re reminding them that it’s not worth getting worked up about. There are things worth getting upset about in this world—and then there are things that are not. If you tell someone else, “Hey, take it easy,” you’re saying, “this is not something to get upset or worked up about.”

This expression can also be used when someone is stressed or worried . I’ll give you a personal example. I hate being late . I always get stressed when I’m going to be late. A delay on the metro, a task that took longer than I expected, or even worse, if other people are making me late. Whatever the situation—if I’m late, I’m stressed.

And sometimes I just have to tell myself: “Take it easy.” Relax. If we miss the bus, we’ll catch the next one. If we get to the movie too late, we’ll watch a different one. If the restaurant gives away our table, we’ll order a pizza. Take it easy. It won’t be too bad.

As a casual farewell

And then really quick, one last way to use “take it easy” is as a friendly way to say goodbye. When you’re parting ways with someone, when you’re saying goodbye, when you’re leaving, one person might say, “Bye” and the other person might say, “Take it easy.” One person might say, “See you later,” the other person might say, “Take it easy.”

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Story: Lesson