When it comes to expressing the idea of something taking time, there are plenty of synonyms to choose from. Depending on the context, you might consider saying that something "required patience," "took effort," or "demanded attention." Other options include "consumed time," "involved a wait," or simply "took a while." Alternatively, you might try using a more creative phrase, such as "required a bit of elbow grease" or "entailed a considerable investment in time." Ultimately, the key is to choose the wording that best captures the nuances of the situation at hand, conveying the appropriate level of effort, struggle, or commitment.