TAKING A TOLL

take a toll (on...)  also take its toll    to cause destruction, harm, deaths or suffering; to have a bad effect on someone or something, especially over a long period of time:
    Divorce takes its toll on the children involved.
   The stress was starting to take its toll on him. 
   The deepening recession has also taken its toll in the south of the country, where unemployment is rife. 
    

Photocopies from 3rd December