take stock

take stock (third-person singular simple present takes stock, present participle taking stock, simple past took stock, past participle taken stock)

1. To scrutinize or size up something; to assess a situation.
   • 2014 August 11, w:Dave Itzkoff, "Robin Williams, Oscar-Winning Comedian, Dies at 63 in Suspected Suicide," New York Times

     In 2009, he underwent heart surgery for an aortic valve replacement at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, an event that Mr. Williams said caused him to take stock of his life.

   • Leslie Stephen

     At the outset of any inquiry it is proper to take stock of the results obtained by previous explorers of the same field.

• take inventory

• stocktaking

• stocktake