Idioms for what

Origin of what

before 900; Middle English; Old English hwæt; cognate with German was, Dutch wat, Old Norse hvat; akin to Gothic hwa, Latin quod, Greek

usage note for what

25. See doubt.

British Dictionary definitions for what it takes

Word Origin for what

Old English hwæt; related to Old Frisian whet, Old High German hwaz (German was), Old Norse hvatr

usage for what

The use of are in sentences such as what we need are more doctors is common, although many people think is should be used: what we need is more doctors

Idioms and Phrases with what it takes (1 of 2)

what it takes

The necessary expertise or qualities, as in She's got what it takes to make a good doctor, or Inherited wealth is what it takes to maintain that lifestyle. This idiom uses what in the sense of “that which” and take in the sense of “require.” [1920]

Idioms and Phrases with what it takes (2 of 2)

what