To be responsible for someone or something by protecting, managing, or attending to their needs.
To look after someone or to handle something so it gets done properly.
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To provide for the physical or emotional needs of a person or animal; to look after someone.
"She stayed home from work to take care of her sick daughter."
Take care of the people who take care of you.
— Commonly attributed to Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos; widely cited in business and leadership contexts
To handle, manage, or deal with a task, problem, or responsibility so that it is resolved.
"Don't worry about the invoice — I'll take care of it this afternoon."
I took care of the situation the best way I knew how.
— Michael Jordan, interview with ESPN (widely reported, 1993)
To protect or maintain something so that it remains in good condition.
"If you take care of your tools, they'll last for decades."
Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.
— Jim Rohn, motivational speaker; widely quoted in self-help literature
(Informal / euphemistic) To eliminate, silence, or neutralise someone or something, often implying illegal or violent action.
"The mob boss told his associate to 'take care of' the witness before the trial."
I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse... and if he refuses, we take care of him.
— Paraphrase of The Godfather (1972), dir. Francis Ford Coppola; sense widely understood from the film's dialogue
Extremely versatile: used for caring for people and animals, handling tasks or problems, and in informal contexts as a euphemism for eliminating or neutralising something or someone (especially in crime drama). The phrase 'take care' alone is also a common farewell expression. Fully inseparable.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "take care of" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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