take for granted

 

idiomatic phrase

1 to assume (something) as true, real, unquestionable, or to be expected

We took our invitation to the party for granted. = We took it for granted that we'd be invited to the party. [=we assumed we'd be invited and did not think about the possibility that we wouldn't be]

2 to value (something or someone) too lightly : to fail to properly notice or appreciate (someone or something that should be valued)

We often take our freedom for granted.

I'm tired of being taken for granted.

The ability to walk effortlessly and comfortably is easy to take for granted, but individuals who have experienced the common foot condition known as plantar fasciitis appreciate just how nice pain-free walking can be. 

— Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 15 May 2023 

Instead, they were encouraged to open up with questions like: What’s one thing about you that people take for granted? 

— Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2023  

to believe something to be the truth without even thinking about it:

I didn't realize that Melanie hadn't been to college - I suppose I just took it for granted.

I suppose I just took it for granted that they were married.

You just take it for granted that people over a certain age can drive.

I guess we all took it for granted that water would always be freely available.

I think he took it for granted that he'd be re-elected and it came as a shock when he lost.    

If you take situations or people for granted, you do not realize or show that you are grateful for how much you get from them:

One of the problems with relationships is that after a while you just take each other for granted.

Five years into the relationship, I don't want him thinking he can just take me for granted.

I try to remind my kids that they mustn't take the generosity of their grandparents for granted.