english
1
general::
Phrase(s): take stock (of something) to make an appraisal of resources and potentialities. • I spent some time yesterday taking stock of my good and bad qualities. • We all need to take stock now and then.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Make an estimate or appraisal, as in We have to take stock of our finances before we can undertake a new project, or The career counselor advised Mark to take stock before changing his plans. This expression transfers making an inventory of goods (stock) to other kinds of appraisal. [Early 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms