take sth into account

Are you using the idiom take sth into account but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the take sth into account idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "take sth into account"

Meaning

The idiom ‘take something into account’ is used to mean that one should consider factors or information that is being presented to them before making a decision or judgment. It implies that one should look at the issue or situation from all angles, weighing the pros and cons, before arriving at a conclusion or an answer.

Etymology

The phrase has origins in the Latin phrase “res ad consideratum venire” which literally translates to “a thing brought to be considered.” This is where the phrase “take into consideration” comes from as well. The phrase “take into account” first appeared in print in the 19th century as a variation of the original Latin phrase.

Usage

The phrase ‘take something into account’ is commonly used in professional, political and academic contexts. It is used by employers and managers to remind their staff to consider all facts before reaching a conclusion. Politicians often use the phrase to emphasize their stance on an issue, stressing the importance of proper consideration of the facts in the matter. Academics use it to emphasize the importance of objectively evaluating evidence before drawing conclusions.

Example Sentences

• Before you make a decision, you should take all factors into account.
• The board has to take the financial situation into account when deciding how to proceed.
• The scientist took all available data into account before drawing conclusions.

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.