Meaning
Used to tell someone to relax or not to work too hard.
Cultural Background
In the US, this is a very common way to end a casual conversation. While used, it is sometimes replaced by 'take care' in similar contexts. Australians often use 'take it easy' as a standard, friendly farewell.
Use it as a goodbye
Next time you leave a friend, try saying 'Take it easy!' It sounds very natural.
Context matters
Don't say this to your boss if they are giving you a deadline; it will sound like you don't care.
Meaning
Used to tell someone to relax or not to work too hard.
Use it as a goodbye
Next time you leave a friend, try saying 'Take it easy!' It sounds very natural.
Context matters
Don't say this to your boss if they are giving you a deadline; it will sound like you don't care.
Combine it
You can say 'Take it easy on yourself' to show empathy.
Test Yourself
Complete the phrase.
You look so stressed! You really need to _____.
The correct idiom for relaxing is 'take it easy'.
Which is the correct way to say goodbye?
Which sentence is natural?
'Take it easy' is the fixed idiomatic expression.
Choose the best response.
A: 'I'm so worried about the exam.' B: '_____.'
This is the only response that provides comfort.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Someone is shouting at you.
Use this to calm someone down.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou look so stressed! You really need to _____.
The correct idiom for relaxing is 'take it easy'.
Which sentence is natural?
'Take it easy' is the fixed idiomatic expression.
A: 'I'm so worried about the exam.' B: '_____.'
This is the only response that provides comfort.
Someone is shouting at you.
Use this to calm someone down.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is too informal. Use 'Have a good day' instead.
No, it is also a common way to say goodbye.
They are trying to help you calm down.
Only if you are emailing a close friend.
To 'stress out' or 'work hard'.
No, always use 'easy'.
It is very common in American English, but understood globally.
Yes, 'Take it easy on the treadmill' means don't run too fast.
Related Phrases
Easy does it
similarMove slowly/carefully
Chill out
synonymRelax
Take a break
similarStop working
