English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

Take effect

Meaning

The idiom "take effect" means that something will start to be valid, legal, or applicable after a certain date or time has passed. It can also mean that changes made to something will become permanent or official on that date.

Usage

  • The new tax law will take effect from next month.
  • The new policy will take effect on January 1st.
  • The company's decision to introduce a new product line will take effect in a few weeks.
  • The new CEO's leadership style will take effect once he officially starts his job.
  • The changes made to the contract will take effect after the final approval is received. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, it can be used in a formal business setting or in everyday conversation. It can also be used to describe both positive and negative changes.

Roots and History

The idiom "take effect" has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled as "tacian." Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to mean "to affect" or "to bring about." In Middle English, the idiom became more commonly used in the sense of "to come into force" or "to become valid." The idiom has seen some changes in usage over time. For example, it was once used to describe changes made to laws or regulations, but now it can be used to describe changes made to a wide variety of things, including policies, contracts, and products. There are no notable regional variations of this idiom in English. However, there are many similar idioms in other languages that convey the same meaning. For example, in Spanish, the idiom "tener efecto" is used, while in French, it is "avoir effet." In German, it is "wirken," and in Italian, it is "avere effetto."

Synonyms in English

  • Come into effect
  • Go into operation
  • Take hold/become valid
  • Be legally binding
  • Become enforceable

Synonyms in other languages

  • Spatetreten - German
  • Entrer en vigueur - French
  • Iniziare a funzionare - Italian
  • Comenzare a operare - Spanish
  • Hacer efecto - Portuguese

Similar Idioms