make an observation—(usually pl.)
1. monitor smth. carefully in order to examine:
- Mr. Thornton made numerous observations of the snow-clad peak.
2. determine the position of the sun or other heavenly body:
- An officer and two men were also stationed on land and were prepared to make observations.
3. make a remark or comment on smth.:
- Dr. Dreschfeld made some observations on the symptoms, pathology, and treatment of this disease.
take an observation—
1. = make an observation 1:
- Dr. Spruce took meteorological observations throughout the vast region he traversed.
2. = make an observation 2:
- He can take an observation and is acquainted with that part of navigation called plain sailing.