But rural communities have already been seriously affected, because the loss of one or two doctors, particularly specialists, takes a steep toll.

On Mondays, both sides dig up their mines to let a food convoy pass, and charge it steep tolls.

Investment banking advisory fees at Credit Suisse First Boston fell 18 percent in 2004, revealing the steep toll that management turmoil has taken.

On the other hand, investment banking advisory fees at Credit Suisse First Boston fell 18 percent in 2004, revealing the steep toll the bank's management turmoil has taken on its bottom line.

Exhaustion was taking a steep toll on her emotions.

It has also taken a steep toll in Canada.

Compromise, timidity, and the ugliness of the legislative process-not all of it unavoidable-have exacted a steep toll.

One-seventh of the territory's population was annihilated, proportionately a steeper toll than that inflicted on Cambodia by Pol Pot.

Any natural disaster takes a steep emotional toll, the experts said, but this one is distinguished by its sheer size and scale.

It is a crusade that is taking a steep personal toll, their friends say.