meaning of "to exact a toll on sb"

[Floratang]

Thanks!

[Yankee]

Hi Flora

The expression "exact a toll" basically means "force to pay a price" (and the meaning of price is figurative). The sense is negative.

- His high pressure job has exacted a toll on his health.
(i.e. The job has had a negative impact on his health.)
.
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln