The idiomatic expression “take something in stride” means to handle a difficult, unexpected, or challenging situation with calmness, composure, and resilience. It implies that the person does not let the situation affect them negatively or cause them undue stress. Instead of reacting with panic or frustration, they accept and deal with it in a practical, controlled manner. The phrase is often used to describe someone who is able to maintain a positive attitude despite challenges, showing a level of emotional maturity and adaptability. Taking something in stride suggests an ability to navigate life’s ups and downs without being overly disturbed or shaken by them.
Example Sentences
- When the project deadline was moved up unexpectedly, she was able to take it in stride and still meet the new timeline.
- Despite the rain ruining our picnic, we took it in stride and enjoyed the rest of the day indoors.
- He faced the criticism with grace, taking it in stride and using it to improve his performance.
- Losing the game was disappointing, but the team took it in stride and vowed to do better next time.
- She took the sudden change of plans in stride, adjusting her schedule without any stress.
- After hearing the news of his promotion, he took it in stride, staying humble and focused on his work.
- The unexpected technical difficulties during the presentation were no match for his calm demeanor; he took it in stride and continued without hesitation.
- Even though she had to stay late at work, she took it in stride, knowing that it was part of the job.
- When their flight was delayed, the family took it in stride and found a way to make the most of their extra time at the airport.
- He took the long wait in stride, reading a book while others around him became frustrated.
Synonyms
- Handle with ease
- Cope calmly
- Take it well
- Keep cool
- Maintain composure
- Stay calm
- Take things in stride
- Be unflappable
- Deal with it calmly
- Roll with the punches
Antonyms
- Overreact
- Panic
- Freak out
- Lose one’s cool
- Get upset
- Become flustered
- Break down
- Lose composure
- Get rattled
- Let it get to you
Related Words
- Resilience
- Composure
- Calmness
- Adaptability
- Equanimity
- Patience
- Tolerance
- Grace under pressure
- Self-control
- Fortitude
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Roll with the punches: To adapt to difficult situations and keep moving forward, similar to take something in stride.
- Bounce back: To recover quickly from setbacks or challenges, showing resilience, much like taking something in stride.
- Keep one’s head: To remain calm and composed in a stressful situation, similar to taking something in stride.
- Stay on top of: To manage challenges or difficulties effectively and calmly, akin to taking it in stride.
- Stay cool: To remain calm and composed, not letting a situation overwhelm you, similar to take something in stride.
Idiomatic Expressions
- Keep a stiff upper lip: To maintain a strong, calm demeanor in difficult situations, similar to taking something in stride.
- Not bat an eye: To react to something without showing any emotion or concern, showing composure akin to taking it in stride.
- Take it with a grain of salt: To approach something with skepticism or detachment, which can sometimes help in taking things in stride.
- Keep your chin up: To remain positive and optimistic despite difficulties, similar to taking something in stride.
- Keep one’s cool: To stay calm and composed in stressful situations, reflecting the meaning of taking something in stride.
The idiomatic expression “take something in stride” is used to describe handling challenges, surprises, or difficult situations with calmness, composure, and resilience. It suggests that one is not easily shaken or disturbed by setbacks, maintaining a practical and level-headed approach. Synonyms like “roll with the punches,” “keep cool,” and “stay calm” emphasize a similar ability to manage stress or adversity without overreacting. Conversely, antonyms like “panic,” “overreact,” and “lose one’s cool” reflect responses that are more emotional or less composed. Related words such as “resilience,” “composure,” and “adaptability” highlight the qualities of someone who can take something in stride, dealing with life’s challenges smoothly and effectively. The phrase is part of a broader set of expressions, including “bounce back” and “keep a stiff upper lip,” that emphasize emotional strength and the ability to cope with difficulties in a calm, composed manner.