take pains en · VERB
Meanings
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(transitive) To use care and effort (to do something) despite any corresponding trouble or inconvenience.
Near-synonyms: take the trouble, make an effort
Some G.O.P. lawmakers have made clear they do not agree with Mr. Trump’s approach, but most have done so taking pains not to criticize the president.
2025 February 19, Robert Jimison, “As Trump Turns Against Ukraine, Republicans in Congress Stay Quiet”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| took pains | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| takes pains | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| taken pains | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| taking pains | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic |
Deriveds
Synonyms
at pains · go to great lengths · go to pains · take the trouble · make an effort