take the collar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take the collar" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be widely understood without context.
It could be used in specific contexts, such as discussing pet care, fashion, or metaphorically in a relationship dynamic. Example: "When training your dog, it's important to take the collar off before letting them swim."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Take the collar off".

The New Yorker

Take the collar of bacon out from the pot and rub with mustard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"So much so, Sid used to say, 'Here, Wynn, you take the collar.' " Mr. Lanier and Mr. Handman, who has now been artistic director of the American Place Theater for 50 years, produced some of the company's first shows together, including "The Old Glory," a trilogy of one-act plays by the poet Robert Lowell that won five Obie Awards in 1965.

The New York Times

The interesting thing about these invisible fences for dogs is that, at some point, the dog has been so conditioned by the shock that you can actually take the collar off the dog and it won't ever venture past that imaginary fence line even though a shock isn't coming its way.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

On Tuesday, after Monday's meltdown, Bowman said: "We took the collar yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

"We took the collar off one dog and its neck was so swollen and infected, that it would have died within days".

Huffington Post

Taking the collar off can make it easier to get all of the neck areas.

WikiHow

Take the two collar stand pieces and fold and press back the bottom edges, to a depth of 1cm, folding towards the wrong side of fabric, as shown on the pattern.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After you've done both sides, take the white collar off and cut just above the lines you just finished drawing.

WikiHow

We have to go get her, take off the collar and carry her back over the wire".

The New York Times - Tech

Halter collars take the pressure of the leash away from the dog's neck, but; unlike body harnesses which can make it easier for dogs to pull, halter collars take advantage of a dog's natural physical and psychological traits to make pulling more difficult for the animal.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "take the collar" in writing, consider the context carefully to ensure clarity. Is it literal, referring to a physical collar, or metaphorical, implying responsibility or constraint? Providing sufficient context will help avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "take the collar" in formal or academic writing unless it's a direct quote or serves a specific, well-defined purpose. Its informal nature can detract from the overall tone and credibility of your work. Instead, opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "assume responsibility" or "remove the restriction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take the collar" primarily functions as a verb phrase where "take" is the main verb and "the collar" is its direct object. Ludwig examples show literal usage such as removing a physical collar and more figurative senses of taking responsibility.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take the collar" is a context-dependent expression that can refer literally to removing a collar or metaphorically to assuming responsibility. While grammatically sound, its infrequent usage suggests the importance of ensuring clarity in writing. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase appears mostly in news and media, as well as wiki sources. Therefore, writers should be mindful of the specific intent, whether literal or figurative, when employing this phrase. Alternatives like "assume responsibility" or "remove the restraint" may provide greater precision in certain contexts. Despite Ludwig AI suggesting the phrase is acceptable, carefully consider the audience and purpose to use it effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extract the neckwear

Emphasizes the act of removing an item of clothing, maintaining a literal interpretation.

remove the restraint

Emphasizes the removal of a restrictive item, applicable in contexts where the collar represents confinement.

assume responsibility

Focuses on the act of taking charge or being accountable, shifting the emphasis from a physical object to a role or duty.

loosen the grip

Suggests a release or relaxation of control, especially if the collar is seen as a symbol of power.

accept the burden

Highlights the acceptance of a difficult or onerous task, metaphorically linking the collar to a weight.

liberate the animal

It is specific to animal contexts.

take the blame

Focuses on accepting fault, suitable if the collar represents accountability for wrongdoing.

shoulder the responsibility

It is specific to responsibility contexts.

accept the clerical position

It is specific to religious contexts.

take the top spot

Focuses on claiming the leading position

FAQs

How can I use "take the collar" in a sentence?

The phrase "take the collar" can be used literally, such as "Take the collar off the dog before his bath". It can also be used metaphorically, implying assuming a burden or responsibility, though this usage is less common. Consider the context to ensure clarity.

What does it mean to "take the collar"?

The meaning of "take the collar" varies. Literally, it means to remove or handle a collar. Metaphorically, depending on context, it can suggest assuming control, responsibility, or removing a constraint. Consider the surrounding words to interpret its meaning accurately.

Which is a better alternative to "take the collar" when referring to responsibility?

Alternatives to "take the collar" when referring to responsibility could be "assume responsibility", "shoulder the responsibility", or "accept the burden". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "take the collar" grammatically correct?

Yes, "take the collar" is grammatically correct. However, its usage is context-dependent and not always immediately clear, so ensure that your audience will understand your intended meaning.