- A declaration that an offer is final and no negotiation is possible. The other party must accept it as is or reject it entirely.
Explanation
Origin
- A straightforward expression indicating a final choice. Take it means accept the offer; leave it means reject the offer.
- Its usage emphasizes the lack of flexibility and puts the decision entirely on the recipient. Common in sales, bargaining, or ultimatums.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Bottom line is [offer], yes or no?
- That's the deal, end of story.
More Formal/Polite (but still firm):
- Unfortunately, that's the best I can offer.
- I'm afraid the terms are non-negotiable.
- This is the final proposal.
Situational Appropriateness
- Can be informal (bargaining at a market) or formal (business negotiation), but it's always direct and potentially confrontational.
- Can be perceived as rude or inflexible if used too early or in situations where negotiation is expected. Use with caution.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The meaning is quite literal, but learners should understand the implied finality and lack of room for discussion. It signals the end of negotiation.
Examples
- My final offer for the car is $5,000, take it or leave it.
- The job offer includes a specific salary. It's a take it or leave it situation.
- Look, I'll give you $20 for the bike. Take it or leave it.
Dialogue
Buyer: I like the antique lamp, but your price is a bit high. Would you take $80?
Seller: The price is $100. That's my final price, take it or leave it.
Buyer: Hmm, okay. I really like it. I'll take it.
Seller: Great.
Social Media Examples
- For Sale Post: Selling my old couch for $50. Price is firm, take it or leave it. Must pick up. #forsale #moving
- Comment on negotiation thread: He should just tell them $10k, take it or leave it. Stop messing around.
- Tweet: Job hunting is rough. Got an offer, but the salary is low, and they basically said take it or leave it. Ugh. #jobsearch #negotiation
Response Patterns
As the recipient:
- Accepting: Okay, I'll take it. / Deal.
- Rejecting: Then I'll have to leave it. / No thanks. / I can't accept that.
- Attempting further negotiation (often futile): Are you sure you can't go any higher/lower?
As the speaker, after the recipient responds:
- If accepted: Great. / Good. (Proceed with the transaction/agreement)
- If rejected: Okay, suit yourself. / Alright then. (Transaction/agreement ends)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing Take it or leave it:
- The recipient needs to decide whether to accept or reject the final offer.
- They might take a moment to think.
- They might walk away if rejecting.
- They might confirm acceptance and finalize the deal.
After saying Take it or leave it:
- Waiting for the other person's decision.
- Standing firm on the offer.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a concluding statement in a negotiation or offer, not an opener.
Intonation
- Often spoken firmly, with emphasis on take and leave.
- Can sound blunt or even aggressive depending on the tone.
- TAKE it or LEAVE it.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all English-speaking regions.