take care

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

take care (third-person singular simple present takes care, present participle taking care, simple past took care, past participle taken care)

1. (intransitive) To be cautious, careful or prudent.
   • 1996 September, V. Maulsby, “The Importance of Outside Commnication to the Transgendered Inmate”, in Gay Community News, page 31:

     Folks with outside contacts are less likely to be singled out by staff for serious abuse. While the staff may have no fear of the inmate, they are more likely to take care if there is any chance that an outside free person might hear about the abuse.

   Take care when you’re crossing the crosswalk.

   Take care that you don't fall!

   Care should be taken to close it securely.

2. (intransitive) To mind, or be in charge of something.

take care

1. (when leaving) good-bye (literally, take care of yourself)

• have a care (dated)
• take care of

• caretake