take the pledge take the pledge {v. phr.} To swear to give up drinking, smoking, or using drugs. Gary finally took the pledge and he has kept it thus far. Categories: add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2025 To section: T Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Comment on this entry