take a bomb

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a bomb" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in informal contexts, often to refer to receiving or accepting something explosive or metaphorically to indicate a significant impact or surprise. Example: "When the news broke, it felt like I had to take a bomb, as it completely changed our plans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Dissident republicans forced a taxi driver to take a bomb in his vehicle to Strand Road PSNI station in the early hours yesterday.

The Guardian

The Lebanese Army said in a brief statement that the men were trying to take a bomb into the embassy compound.

The New York Times

For example, if it were easy to take a bomb on an aircraft then many more aircraft would explode.

Crime Science

"I don't want to take a bomb," she told the Times.

Huffington Post

Carefully balancing the plane's joystick between his legs and using his free hand to take a bomb out of a small box, he removed the safety pin with his teeth and lobbed it out the window.

Vice

Take a bomb and throw it near the seat.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

(At one point I was stuck, unable to deduce how to walk across a chasm; to figure out that I needed to take a bomb-like device from another room and plant it near a fallen chandelier, I had to cheat a bit and resort to an online walk-through).

The New Yorker

(At one point I was stuck, unable to deduce how to walk across a chasm; to figure out that I needed to take a bomb-like device from another room and plant it near a fallen chandelier, I had to cheat a bit and resort to an online walk-through). There is very little music, mostly the sounds of the wind and the ocean and the birds outside the castle.

The New Yorker

On the day this picture was taken, a bomb blast killed Shiites celebrating the holiday and wounded several more.

The New York Times

The other recent tragedy that was so easily reduced to a few, powerful frames was the Boston Marathon bombing; the length of time it takes a bomb to explode is eerily suited to a short, looped clip.

The New Yorker

On July 9th a Chechen woman was caught taking a bomb into a Moscow restaurant".It's completely alien to our culture," rails an indignant Jabrail Gakayev, a Chechen historian at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take a bomb" in creative writing, consider the connotations of danger, urgency, and potential destruction. It can be used literally or metaphorically to create a dramatic effect.

Common error

Avoid using "take a bomb" casually in contexts where the severity isn't justified. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact, especially when a simpler, less dramatic expression would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "take a bomb" is a verbal phrase acting as the main verb in a sentence. It describes the action of receiving or handling an explosive device. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a bomb" is grammatically sound and, according to Ludwig AI, usable in both literal and metaphorical contexts. While not overly common, it appears primarily in news and wiki sources. When using this phrase, especially metaphorically, ensure the level of drama aligns with the situation you're describing. Consider alternative phrases like "handle an explosive device" or "endure a devastating blow" to more accurately convey your intended meaning. It's crucial to avoid casual overuse that could diminish the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

handle an explosive device

Focuses on the act of physically managing an explosive, shifting from the broader 'take' to a more specific action.

receive an explosive package

Emphasizes the act of getting a bomb, useful in contexts where the focus is on the reception rather than the action.

bear the brunt of an explosion

Highlights enduring the most severe part of an explosive event, concentrating on the impact.

manage a hazardous item

Focuses on the act of handling something dangerous, shifting away from the specific instance of a bomb.

accept a bomb threat

Highlights the acceptance of a threat involving a bomb, changing the context from physical interaction to a reaction to danger.

face an explosive situation

Shifts the focus to confronting a tense or dangerous scenario that could erupt.

shoulder the burden of an impending disaster

Metaphorically represents taking on the responsibility or impact of a looming catastrophic event.

confront a volatile situation

Describes facing a circumstance that is unstable and prone to sudden, violent changes.

endure a devastating blow

Emphasizes experiencing a severe setback or shock, similar to the impact of a bomb.

deal with a shocking revelation

Metaphorically relates to handling a surprising and impactful piece of news or information.

FAQs

How can I use "take a bomb" in a sentence?

The phrase "take a bomb" can be used literally, referring to handling an explosive device, or metaphorically, indicating receiving something with significant impact. For example: "Dissident republicans forced a taxi driver to take a bomb" or "When the news broke, it felt like I had to take a bomb".

What are some alternatives to "take a bomb"?

Depending on the context, you could use "handle an explosive device" for the literal sense, or "endure a devastating blow" for the metaphorical sense.

Is it grammatically correct to say "take a bomb"?

Yes, "take a bomb" is grammatically correct. The verb "take" is followed by the article "a" and the noun "bomb", forming a standard verb phrase.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the expression "take a bomb"?

The phrase is suitable when describing the physical act of taking possession of an explosive device, or when metaphorically describing the experience of receiving something that has a sudden and devastating impact.