meaning of "to exact a toll on sb"

[floratang]

Thanks!
_________________
a dragon is not a loong!
http://www.loong.us/

[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.)
.
_________________
Amy
.
ESL teacher, translator, and a native speaker of American English