toll

Everyday

1. A toll is money you must pay to use a road, bridge or tunnel. tree →
2. The toll of a disaster is the number of people killed or hurt, as in «the death toll». tree →
3. To take a toll (on) means to cause damage, harm or tiredness over time. tree →
4. To toll means for a large bell to ring slowly again and again, often for a death. tree →
5. A toll-free number is a phone number you can call without paying. tree →

In the lessons

In maths word problems, tolls are costs to add up; in geography, toll roads and bridges; in news, «the death toll rose»; in stories, church bells tolling for a funeral; phrases: toll road, toll booth, death toll, take its toll.

Examples

• We paid a toll to cross the bridge. tree →
• The toll booth had a long queue. tree →
• The flood's death toll was sadly high. tree →
• Late nights took their toll on Dad. tree →
• The church bell tolled for the old king. tree →
• The toll road costs $4 each way. tree →
• Call the toll-free number for help. tree →
• "Cling, clang," tolled the hyacinth bells. tree →

Note

Countable: a toll, tolls. Maths: «a $3 toll each way» means pay $3 going and $3 coming back = $6. Do not confuse with «tall» or «troll».

In Jewish tradition

A tax paid to a king for travel or goods.

Interpretation. The tax was a royal charge under Persia. Ezra's story shows rulers allowing Temple workers to go untaxed, read as God moving kings' hearts.

Examples

• There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, impost, and toll, was paid unto them. (Writings EZR.4.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, impost, or toll, and so thou wilt endamage the revenue of the kings. (Writings EZR.4.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• Also we announce to you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, impost, or toll, upon them. (Writings EZR.7.24, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: a toll, tolls. Maths: «a $3 toll each way» means pay $3 going and $3 coming back = $6. Do not confuse with «tall» or «troll».