"There's only so much a man can take." It means "There's a limit to a man's patience."?

Question

"There's only so much a man can take."   It means  "There's a limit to a man's patience."?

Answer

It can mean that, yes. However, it can be used in other circumstances, as well. It is used to express that there is a limit to how much someone can handle, mind or body--whether it is having patience, lifting weights, being hit in a boxing match, etc. This expression can be used in multiple ways.

Answer

Wives and girlfriends are always trying to teach their husbands/boyfriends patience.  Unfortunately, guys are slow learners.