idiom (verb phrase) · neutral
have what it takes
UK/hæv wɒt ɪt teɪks/US/hæv wʌt ɪt teɪks/have·WHAT·it·TAKES
to possess the necessary qualities or abilities to succeed at something
Examples
“She clearly has what it takes to be an excellent teacher.”
“Do you think he has what it takes to run the company?”
“Few applicants had what it takes for the demanding role.”
Band 8 sentence
“Given her track record, I have no doubt she has what it takes to lead the division through this crisis.”
Collocations
- have what it takes to + verb
- clearly has/have what it takes
Word family
Common mistakes
have what it take→have what it takes
have ability to→have the ability to / have what it takes to
Say it for a higher band
5be able to→6have the ability to→7+have what it takes
Synonyms
be capable of
have the ability to
Easily confused
be capable of
“She is capable of leading the team.”
Related words
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In Success
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