Meaning

"Take it easy" has three everyday jobs, and the situation tells you which one you're hearing.

First, it means rest or slow down: "I'm taking it easy this weekend" means no big plans, no hard work. Doctors and parents say it too: "Take it easy on that knee."

Second, it's a relaxed goodbye between friends and coworkers, especially in the US: "See you Monday. Take it easy." It means something like "look after yourself", and nobody expects an answer beyond "You too."

Third, it means calm down: "Take it easy, it's only a game." Be careful with this one. When someone is really upset, hearing "take it easy" can feel like you're telling them their feelings don't matter, and it often makes things worse. With an angry friend, try "Okay, I hear you. What happened?" first.

All three are informal and friendly. "Go easy on" is a close relative that means be gentle with: "Go easy on him, it's his first day."

In a conversation

SofiaRohan
  1. Sofia
  2. Rohan
  3. Sofia
  4. Rohan
  5. Sofia
  6. Rohan

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Check yourself

1At the end of a call, a coworker in Austin says, "Okay, take it easy." What is he doing?
2Your friend is very angry about losing her wallet. Why might "Take it easy" be a bad first reply?

Practice · 3 min

Listen, then repeat. As a goodbye, it's light and quick. As advice, it's slower, with more weight on "easy".

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.