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Other Ways to Say

30+ Other Ways to Say “Take It Easy” in English (Formal and Informal)

Saying “take it easy” is a common phrase used to offer comfort, encouragement, or advice to someone who is feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Whether it’s a friend going through a tough time, a colleague facing a deadline, or a loved one feeling sick, this phrase can be a reassuring way to show support and offer a bit of relaxation. But “take it easy” isn’t the only way to express this sentiment. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to say “take it easy” in different situations, including formal, informal, and slang expressions.

What Does “Take It Easy” Mean?

This phrase is typically used to encourage someone to relax, take a break, or not worry too much. It can also be a way to say goodbye or to bid someone farewell. For example, you might say “take it easy” to a friend who is feeling overwhelmed by their workload, or to a family member who is feeling sick and needs to rest. Essentially, the phrase is meant to be a reassuring message that things will be okay and that it’s important to take care of oneself.

Ways to Say "Take It Easy"Pin
Ways to Say “Take It Easy” – Created by 7ESL

Ways to Say “Take It Easy”

There are many different ways to say “take it easy” depending on the context and the level of formality desired. Here are some options for different situations:

Formal Ways to Say “Take It Easy”

  • I hope you feel better soon. – This is a formal way to say “take it easy” to someone who is feeling ill or unwell.
  • I hope you have a restful day. – This is a formal way to say “take it easy” to someone who is in need of a break or some downtime.
  • I hope you have a pleasant evening. – This formal way is used as a farewell message, wishing someone a relaxing and enjoyable evening.
  • I hope you have a stress-free day. – This is a formal way to say “take it easy” to someone who is feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.

Informal Ways to Say “Take It Easy”

  • Take a load off – This informal way is used to encourage someone to relax and take a break.
  • Chill out – This casual way is used to suggest that someone relaxes and does not worry too much.
  • Relax – This is a simple and straightforward way to say “take it easy,” encouraging someone to let go of stress and tension.
  • Don’t worry about it. – This informal way is used to assure someone that there is no need to worry or stress.

Casual and Slang Ways to Say “Take It Easy”

  • Take a breather – This slang is used to suggest that someone take a break or a moment to relax.
  • Take five – This casual way is used to suggest that someone take a short break or a pause.
  • Take it slow – This slang is used to encourage someone to go at a leisurely pace and not rush or overdo it.
  • Don’t sweat it – This slang is used to assure someone that there is no need to worry or get worked up about something.

Common English Phrases Similar to “Take It Easy”

When you want to encourage someone to relax and not worry, there are many common English phrases you can use instead of saying “take it easy.” Here are a few examples:

Relax

“Relax” is a simple and straightforward way to encourage someone to let go of their stress and take a break. You can use it in many situations, such as when someone is feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or tense. For example, you could say, “Why don’t you take a few deep breaths and relax?”

Chill Out

“Chill out” is a casual way to suggest that someone relaxes and does not worry too much. It’s often used among friends or in social situations, and it can also be used as a command. For example, you could say, “Hey, chill out! Everything’s going to be okay.”

Calm Down

“Calm down” is another common phrase used to encourage someone to relax and not get too worked up. It’s often used when someone is feeling angry, upset, or frustrated. For example, you could say, “Hey, calm down. It’s not worth getting upset over.”

Unwind

“Unwind” is a more formal way to suggest that someone relaxes and takes a break. It’s often used in professional or academic settings, and it can also be used as a command. For example, you could say, “Why don’t you take a few minutes to unwind before we start the meeting?”

Ease Up

“Ease up” is a way to encourage someone to take it easy and not be too hard on themselves or others. It’s often used when someone is being too critical or demanding. For example, you could say, “Hey, ease up a bit. We’re all doing the best we can.”

List of Alternatives to “Take It Easy”

Other Ways to Say “Take It Easy”Pin
Other Ways to Say “Take It Easy” – Created by 7ESL
  • Chillax (informal)
  • Wind down (informal)
  • Hang loose
  • Stay loose (mainly US)
  • Decompress (mainly US informal)
  • Make yourself at home
  • Unwind
  • Slow down
  • De-stress (informal)
  • Ease up
  • Put your feet up
  • Pull oneself together
  • Rest
  • Cool off
  • Laze
  • Keep one’s cool (informal)
  • Keep calm
  • Cool down (informal)
  • Sit back
  • Take a break
  • Loosen up
  • Simmer down
  • Keep one’s head
  • Lounge
  • Control oneself
  • Take time off
  • Be at leisure
  • Slack off
  • Go easy
  • Lie down
  • Kick back (mainly US)
  • Take time out
  • Take one’s ease
  • Take one’s leisure
  • Amuse oneself
  • Collect oneself
  • Take a rest
  • Let one’s hair down (informal)

Conclusion:

“Take it easy” is a comforting and reassuring phrase that can be used in a variety of situations to offer support and encouragement. Whether you’re looking for a formal, informal, or slang expression, there are many different ways to say “take it easy” depending on the context and the level of formality desired. The next time you want to offer comfort or encouragement to someone who is feeling stressed or overwhelmed, consider using one of these alternative phrases to convey your message. Whether it’s a simple “relax” or a more idiomatic “don’t sweat it,” these phrases can be a great way to show support and offer a bit of relaxation to those around you.

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B1 Knowledge Check · 5 questions

30+ Other Ways to Say “Take It Easy” in English (Formal and Informal) — Practice Quiz

1 / 5
Q1

Question 1: According to the article, which of the following is a FORMAL way to say "take it easy"?

Question 1 options
"I hope you have a stress-free day" is listed as a formal alternative. The other options — "Chill out," "Don't sweat it," and "Take a load off" — are all informal or slang expressions.
Q2

Question 2: According to the article, "take it easy" can only be used to encourage someone to relax — it cannot be used as a way to say goodbye.

Question 2 options
This is false. The article specifically states that "take it easy" can also be a way to say goodbye or to bid someone farewell, in addition to encouraging relaxation.
Q3

Question 3: Your friend is panicking about a minor problem at work. Which slang phrase from the article best assures them there is no need to worry?

Question 3 options
"Don't sweat it" is described in the article as slang used to assure someone that there is no need to worry or get worked up. "Take it slow" means to go at a leisurely pace, "Take a breather" suggests a short break, and "Kick back" means to relax casually.
Q4

Question 4: Match each alternative to "take it easy" with its correct formality level as described in the article.

Question 4 options
Take a load off
I hope you feel better soon.
Don't sweat it
I hope you have a pleasant evening.
Informal
Formal (for someone ill)
Slang
Formal (farewell message)

Select an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.

"Take a load off" is informal, "I hope you feel better soon" is formal, "Don't sweat it" is slang, and "I hope you have a pleasant evening" is formal. The article explicitly categorizes each phrase under these headings.
Q5

Question 5: The article says "ease up" is best used when someone is being too ___.

Question 5 options
The article states that "ease up" is used when someone is being too critical or demanding. The other options describe different emotional states that correspond to different phrases in the article.

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