take on
English
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb
take on (third-person singular simple present takes on, present participle taking on, simple past took on, past participle taken on)
- To acquire, bring in, or introduce.
- The ship took on cargo in Norfolk yesterday.
- (idiomatic) To begin to have or exhibit.
- In the dark, the teddy bear took on the appearance of a fearsome monster.
- (idiomatic) To assume or take responsibility for.
- I'll take on the project if no one else will.
- (idiomatic) To attempt to fight or compete with.
- I don't recommend taking on that bully, since he's bigger than you are.
- (soccer) To (attempt to) dribble round an opposition player.
- 2016 May 22, Phil McNulty, “Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United”, in BBC[1]:
- He drifted past four Palace players and took on two more before crossing to the far post, where Fellaini touched on for Mata to score. It was a momentum-shifting moment.
- (intransitive, colloquial) To catch on, do well; to become popular.
- 1974, GB Edwards, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, New York 2007, p. 225:
- He had enough money to stock it well, and it took on; but the side of the business he did best on was his travelling shop.
- 1974, GB Edwards, The Book of Ebenezer Le Page, New York 2007, p. 225:
- (intransitive, idiomatic) To show emotion, to grieve or be concerned about something or someone.
- 1851, Herman Melville, Moby Dick, chapter 16
- But I am one of those that never take on about princely fortunes, and am quite content if the world is ready to board and lodge me, while I am putting up at this grim sign of the Thunder Cloud.
- 1851, Herman Melville, Moby Dick, chapter 16
- To obtain the services of (a person) in exchange for remuneration; to give someone a job.
- (dated, slang) To have sex.
Translations
To acquire, bring in, or introduce
To begin to have or exhibit
To assume responsibility for
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To attempt to fight or compete
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To obtain the services of (a person) in exchange for remuneration; to give someone a job — see employ
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