take time out

take time out

1. To pause or take a break from something. I wish I had taken time out before starting this job—that might have kept me from getting burned out so quickly. Take time out for lunch. Work will still be here when you get back.2. In sports, to pause the game by using a "time-out," an alloted break in the game. Instead of taking time out as expected, they caught the other team off guard by pushing the ball up the court.See also: out, take, time

take time out

to spend time away from studying or working. He's taking time out between high school and starting at the university. Mary's taking time out from her job to work abroad for a year.See also: out, take, time