take a message — to write down or remember information from someone who calls when the person they want to speak to is not available
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to write down or remember information from someone who calls when the person they want to speak to is not available
Pronunciation (IPA): /teɪk ə ˈmesɪdʒ/
Example Sentences
- My mom always takes messages like she's running the FBI - with caller ID verification and background checks.
- Would you mind taking a message? She's in a meeting right now.
- I took a message, but my handwriting is so bad it looks like ancient hieroglyphics.
take a message
VERB[/teɪk ə ˈmesɪdʒ/]
to write down or remember information from someone who calls when the person they want to speak to is not available
The receptionist offers to take a message when the boss is out.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Take a message emerged from the combination of Old Norse 'taka' (to seize, receive) and Latin 'missus' (something sent, past participle of mittere). The phrase became established as a standard expression with the widespread adoption of telephone technology, when secretaries and family members began routinely recording messages from callers reaching absent recipients.
Breakdown
take (Old Norse 'taka': to seize or receive) + message (Latin 'missus': sent thing, from mittere meaning to send). The compound phrase combines the action of receiving with the content being transmitted.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom always takes messages like she's running the FBI - with caller ID verification and background checks.”
“Would you mind taking a message? She's in a meeting right now.”
“I took a message, but my handwriting is so bad it looks like ancient hieroglyphics.”
“The secretary efficiently took messages for the busy executive all morning.”
📚Related Words
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