take a lot out of

take a lot out of (one)

To cause one a great amount of mental or physical exhaustion. I used to be able to run for miles when I was younger, but these days it takes a lot out of me just climbing a long flight of stairs! I'm sorry if I seem a bit scatterbrained. These legal negotiations always take a lot out of me. I love the heat, but I know it takes a lot out of my mother.See also: lot, of, out, take

take a lot out of someone

to drain a lot of energy from someone. This kind of workout takes a lot out of the team. Hot days like this take a lot out of me.See also: lot, of, out, take