1take 
/ˈteɪk/ verb
took /ˈteɪk/ verb /ˈtʊk/; tak·en /ˈteɪkən/; tak·ing 1 [+ obj] a : to carry or move (something) to a place
▪ She took her things to her room. ▪ It looks like rain. You had better take an umbrella with you.
b : to carry and give (something) to a person
▪ Take this note to your teacher, please. = Take your teacher this note, please.
c : to carry, move, or lead (someone) to a place
▪ This bus takes you downtown. ▪ Her office is down that hallway. I can take you there, if you want me to. ▪ He was taken to the hospital by ambulance. ▪ If you're going to the store, would you mind taking me (along) with you? ▪ She took us for a ride in her new car. ▪ He's not the kind of guy you can take home to meet your parents. ▪ I took him aside [=to a place that is away from other people] and told him what had happened. ▪ She took her child to one/the side and scolded him. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ She took her team [=she helped her team go] to the state finals. ▪ Her landlord threatened to take her to court. [=to start a lawsuit against her; to sue her] ▪ He took me to the cleaners. [=he got most of my money in an unfair way] 2 [+ obj] : to begin to hold (someone or something) with your fingers, arms, etc.
▪ I took the pen and signed my name. ▪ Take the pan by the handle. ▪ He took her by the hand. ▪ He took her hand and looked into her eyes. ▪ She took her son in her arms. [=she put her arms around him] ▪ Please, take a free sample. 3 [+ obj] : to remove (something) from a place, a person's hand, etc. — often + from ▪ She took the letter (from him) and read it aloud. ▪ He took a beer from the fridge. ▪ We'll have to take some blood from your arm. 4 [+ obj] a : to get (something) : to gain possession of (something)
▪ Thieves took [=stole] the painting from the museum several years ago. ▪ That man took my purse! ▪ We will take [=seize, capture] the city at dawn. ▪ Their land had been taken by force. ▪ She took [=borrowed] her dad's car without his permission. ▪ I accidentally took your jacket instead of mine. ▪ Military leaders took control of the government in 2002. ▪ I have my pride, and no one can take that (away) from me. [=no one can cause me to lose my pride] ▪ I did all the work, and she took the credit. [=she allowed people to believe that she did the work]
b : to claim (someone or something) as your own — usually used as (be) taken ▪ “Excuse me. Is this chair free?” “No, I'm sorry. It's taken.” [=someone else is planning to sit in the chair] ▪ (somewhat old-fashioned) She can't be your girlfriend because she's already taken. [=she is already someone else's girlfriend] 5 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to be your prisoner
▪ They took us as hostages. = They took us hostage. ▪ Three soldiers were taken prisoner/captive. 6 [+ obj] : to cause (someone) to die
▪ She was taken [=she died] in her prime. : to cause (someone's life) to end ▪ The plane crash took the lives of all the people on board. ▪ He took his own life. [=he killed himself] 7 [+ obj] a : to borrow or use (a phrase, an idea, etc., that was created by a different person or used in a different place) — usually + from ▪ a quotation taken from Shakespeare ▪ The album's title is taken from [=it is the same as] a line in the album's first song. ▪ The builders took their inspiration from [=the builders were inspired by] the Acropolis in Athens.
b : to begin to have (a particular shape or form)
▪ The college took its present form after World War II. ▪ The plan is finally starting to take form/shape. [=to have a definite arrangement] 8 [+ obj] : to choose to have (something)
▪ He'll have the fish and I'll take the chicken. ▪ Do you take cream in your coffee? ▪ You can have either one. Take your pick. [=choose whichever one you want] 9 [+ obj] a : to accept or receive (something) as payment or as a response
▪ Do you take credit cards? ▪ an elected official accused of taking bribes ▪ (Brit) The restaurant took [=(US) took in] an enormous amount of money in its first week of business. ▪ I was hoping they would pay me more, but at this point I'll take what I can get. ▪ I insist that you come to my party, and I won't take no for an answer!
b : to accept (something, such as blame, credit, or responsibility)
▪ I take full responsibility for what happened. ▪ No one else was willing to take the blame/rap (for what happened). ▪ I did the work and he took all the credit. 10 [+ obj] : to allow (someone) to join a club, to attend a school, to become part of a relationship, etc.
▪ The school takes [=admits] just 20 students a year. ▪ The doctor's office is not taking [=accepting] any new patients. ▪ (old-fashioned) It is time for you to take a wife/husband. [=to get married] — see also take on (below) 11 [+ obj] : to be able to hold (a number of people or things) : to have enough room for (something)
▪ I think the elevator will take a few more people. 12 [+ obj] a : to need or require (something)
▪ What size shoe do you take? ▪ It took four people to move the couch. ▪ What would it take to get you to buy this car? ▪ It will take several years to finish the bridge. = The bridge will take several years to finish. ▪ Do you have what it takes [=do you have the skills and personality] to do this job? ▪ The new color is nice, but it'll take some getting used to. [=I will need to get used to it] ▪ Be patient. These things take (a lot of) time. [=a lot of time needs to pass before they happen or are finished] ▪ Keeping everyone happy does take a lot of doing. = It takes some doing. [=it requires a lot of work]
b ◊The phrases it takes two and it takes two to tango are used to say that two people or groups are needed in order to do something.
▪ Both of you should be punished for fighting. It takes two, you know. ▪ We'd like to continue negotiating, but it takes two to tango—we can't solve this problem by ourselves. 13 [+ obj] : to do or perform (something)
▪ Let's take a walk. [=let's walk] ▪ He's taking a shower [=he's showering] upstairs. ▪ Take a look/peek/gander at this. ▪ How old do you think I am? Take a guess. ▪ The kids take their naps around one o'clock. ▪ He took a bite of his sandwich. ▪ Take a deep breath and try to calm down. ▪ We are taking a tour of the building tomorrow. ▪ They took a pledge never to tell anyone their secret. ▪ It's time for you to take a stand [=to express your opinion] and tell them that things need to change. 14 [+ obj] : to get (a drug, pill, etc.) into your body by swallowing it, breathing it in, etc.
▪ Take one of these pills in the morning and one before bedtime. ▪ She refuses to take her medicine. ▪ She stopped taking drugs [=she stopped using illegal drugs] years ago. 15 [+ obj] : to sit or stand in (a particular place) : to move into position on (a stage, field, etc.)
▪ Please take a seat. [=please sit down] ▪ I took my place next to her at the table. ▪ The actors took their places on the stage. ▪ They took the stage for their final bow. ▪ The home team is now taking the field. ▪ Will the next witness please take the stand? ▪ She took the witness stand. ▪ The senator from Nevada would now like to take the floor. [=to begin speaking at a public meeting] 16 [+ obj] : to create or record (a picture or image)
▪ She took our picture in front of the waterfall. ▪ Our new camera takes beautiful pictures. ▪ The doctor wants to take an X-ray of your leg. ▪ They arrested him and took his fingerprints. 17 [+ obj] a : to find out (a person's temperature, height, etc.)
▪ The last time we took his temperature, it was 102 degrees. ▪ The nurse weighed me and took my blood pressure. ▪ Before the seamstress can make your dress, she has to take your measurements.
b : to find out and write down (information)
▪ He took my name and number and said he would call me back.
c : to create (a list or a record of information)
▪ I can't come to class today. Would you mind taking notes for me? ▪ The census we took last year shows that our population is growing very rapidly. ▪ We took an inventory at the store yesterday to find out what we need to order. 18 [+ obj] a : to travel using (a road, vehicle, etc.)
▪ We took the highway into the city. ▪ She had to take a different route home. ▪ He takes the subway to work.
b : to turn toward (a particular direction)
▪ Take a right [=turn right] at the next stop light. ▪ Take your first left and go straight for a mile. ▪ We took a wrong turn [=went the wrong way; turned in the wrong direction] and got lost. 19 [+ obj] : to move on or over (something) in a particular way
▪ He took the stairs [=went up/down the stairs] two at a time. ▪ She took the curve too fast and the car skidded. 20 [+ obj] a : to agree to do or have (a job, role, etc.)
▪ He took a job as a janitor at the high school. ▪ She hasn't decided if she is going to take the position or not. ▪ I took a few overtime shifts this month. ▪ He took the role of Romeo in the play. ▪ She says that parents should be taking a more active role in their children's education. [=should be more actively involved in their children's education] ▪ The former governor took office [=became governor] in 1998. ▪ She was the first woman to take her seat [=to begin her official duties as a member] in Parliament.
b Brit : to teach (a person or class) or lead (a religious service)
▪ The new teacher took us for English. ▪ She took a class of eight children. ▪ The vicar won't be able to take the early service. 21 [+ obj] : to study (a subject) or participate in (a class) as a student
▪ Her parents made her take piano lessons when she was 10. ▪ He takes both French and Spanish. ▪ I took five classes last semester. ▪ I'm taking a course on world history. 22 [+ obj] : to complete (a test or exam)
▪ If you fail the first time, you have to take the test again. 23 [+ obj] of a machine : to use or need (something) in order to work
▪ What size batteries does the flashlight take? ▪ a car that takes diesel 24 [+ obj] : to use (something) for a particular purpose
▪ The team's coaches decided to take another approach. ▪ Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone for coming. ▪ Harsh measures were taken to reduce crime in the city. ▪ I suggest you take his advice. ▪ They never took the time [=bothered] to get to know her. 25 [+ obj] : to accept (the power to deal with something) : to accept control of (something)
▪ She was chosen to take charge/control of the organization. ▪ I'll get you started, and you take it [=take over] from there. ▪ Citizens are discouraged from taking the law into their own hands. [=punishing people for breaking laws even though they have no right to punish them] 26 [+ obj] Brit : to make (a decision) with authority
▪ The committee will take [=make] their decision next week. 27 [+ obj] : to deal with or consider (something)
▪ The governor will give a statement and then take questions from reporters. ▪ Will you take this call? ▪ Cases will be taken in order of importance. ▪ Let's take first things first. ▪ We'll see what happens and take it as it comes. ▪ I'll need a long time to recover, so I'm just taking (it) one day at a time. 28 [+ obj] a : to understand or think about (something or someone) in a certain way
▪ I don't quite know how to take that comment. ▪ He said that I was full-figured, and I took it as a compliment. ▪ No one took her literally/seriously when she said that she was going to quit. ▪ He takes himself too seriously. ▪ He says unkind things to everyone. Try not to take it personally. [=to be offended or upset by what he said] ▪ Don't take this the wrong way [=do not be offended by this], but I think you could find a better boyfriend. ▪ When it started to rain, we took it as a sign [=we believed that the rain was a sign] that we should go home. ▪ Can't you take a hint? [=understand that I am trying to give you a hint?] ▪ I take it [=(more formally) assume, suppose] that you didn't get my message. ▪ So, you're staying here, I take it. ▪ I know it's just gossip, so I take it for what it's worth. [=I do not strongly believe that it is true or important]
b : to react to (someone or something) in a certain way
▪ I was surprised by how well she took the news. ▪ He took it pretty badly/hard [=he was very upset] when his dog died. ▪ She doesn't take such things lightly. [=she acts as though such things are very important] 29 [+ obj] : to think about (something or someone) as an example
▪ They just want attention. For instance, take the way they wear their hair. ▪ Take last year's record high temperatures, for example. ▪ The system isn't working properly. Take the case of Jane Smith. 30 [+ obj] : to think of (someone or something) as a particular type of person or thing — usually + for ▪ Oh, you're not Jill. Excuse me. I took you for [=mistakenly thought you were] an old friend of mine. ▪ Of course we know how to do it. Do you take us for idiots? [=do you think we are idiots?] ▪ “Can you finish everything in two hours?” “Two hours?! Who do you take me for? Superman?” [=do you think I'm Superman?] 31 [+ obj] : to believe (something that someone tells you)
▪ Take it from me. [=believe me] He would love to go to the concert with you. ▪ Okay, I'll take your word for it. [=I will believe that what you say is true] ▪ You don't have to take my word for it. Ask him yourself. ▪ She can't take a compliment. [=she does not believe that the nice things said about her are true] 32 [+ obj] a : to begin to have (an opinion, interest, etc.)
▪ She has yet to take a position on the issue. ▪ The program inspires young people to take an interest [=become interested] in current events. ▪ They take a dim view [=have a negative opinion] of the country's current foreign policy. ▪ She took a dim view of his behavior.
b : to ask people to make choices or give opinions in (a vote, poll, etc.)
▪ They took a survey of shoppers to find out which brands people liked best. ▪ I think we should take a vote [=should vote] about what to do. 33 a [+ obj] : to feel or experience (an emotion)
▪ Please don't take offense. [=please don't be offended] ▪ Investors took fright [=suddenly became afraid] at the news and pulled their money. — often + in or to ▪ His grandparents took special pleasure in [=were very pleased by] seeing him graduate from college. ▪ It's important to take pride in your work. ▪ I take comfort/solace in the fact that others have had to go through the same thing. ▪ She takes an instant dislike to [=she instantly dislikes] anyone who tries to sell her something.
b ◊If you are taken ill/sick or (US) take ill/sick, you suddenly become ill.
▪ He and I both took ill after eating the fish. ▪ Several other customers also were taken ill/sick. 34 [+ obj] a : to experience or be affected by (something unpleasant)
▪ Everyone will have to take a pay cut. ▪ She had to take a two-stroke penalty. ▪ The ship sunk after taking [=sustaining] a direct hit. ▪ He took several punches to the head. ▪ He took quite a beating. ▪ “Take that,” she said as she slapped him in the face.
b : to experience (something bad or unpleasant) without being seriously harmed
▪ These shoes have taken [=withstood] a lot of punishment. — often used in negative statements ▪ These plants can't take [=tolerate] the cold. ▪ You no longer have to take [=endure] the pain of arthritis. — sometimes used in an exaggerated way ▪ What happens next? I can't take the suspense. ▪ I can't take this noise anymore!
c : to accept the difficulty or unpleasantness of (something or someone) without complaining or making changes
▪ I wouldn't take [=tolerate] that kind of rudeness from anyone. ▪ I'm not going to take it anymore! ▪ Are you just going to sit there and take it? ▪ Don't take it lying down. Do something about it. ▪ I thought she would be upset, but she's taking it in stride. [=not upset about it] ▪ Stop crying and take it like a man. ▪ I wasn't being serious. Can't you take a joke? [=can't you laugh at a joke that is about you?] ▪ He's a little hard to take sometimes. [=he is sometimes a little rude, annoying, etc.] 35 [+ obj] : to become known by (someone) in a certain way
▪ Her reaction took me by surprise. [=surprised me] ▪ The latest band taking the country by storm [=quickly becoming very popular throughout the country] is a Swedish group. 36 [+ obj] : to be liked or enjoyed by (someone) : to delight (someone) — used as (be) taken — usually + with or by ▪ He was quite taken with her at their first meeting. ▪ None of us was completely taken with the idea of staying there for an entire month. ▪ The critic was so taken by the restaurant that she gave it four stars out of a possible five. 37 [+ obj] : to be the cause of (damage, suffering, etc.)
▪ She vowed to take (her) revenge against him. ▪ She swore that she would take vengeance on him. ▪ The storm took its toll. [=the storm did a lot of damage] ▪ A war could take a terrible toll on the economy. 38 [+ obj] a : to win or get (something) in a game, contest, etc.
▪ She sang well enough to take first prize in her high school's talent contest. ▪ He took second place behind last year's winner. ▪ They took an 8–6 lead in the seventh inning. ▪ The number 20 car took the lead with one lap to go. ▪ They took home the championship for the third year in a row. ▪ Let's play one more round. Winner takes all. [=the winner of this round will win the whole contest]
b : to beat or defeat (someone) in a game, fight, etc.
▪ She took her opponent in the second round. ▪ He's not that big. I think I can take him. 39 [+ obj] : to cause (someone or something) to move to a particular level or area of activity
▪ They decided to take the company public. ▪ Are you ready to take your business to the next level? ▪ When taken to extremes, their philosophy can have negative consequences. 40 [+ obj] : to go to a safe or calm place for (shelter, cover, etc.)
▪ If it rains, we can take shelter in the clubhouse. ▪ Here come the bombers! Take cover! ▪ a quiet place to take refuge 41 [no obj] : to be effective or become established
▪ Clearly, the lesson he had tried to teach them didn't take. [=they didn't learn the lesson] ▪ We are waiting to see if the heart transplant takes. 42 [+ obj] : to be able to have (something) when treated in a particular way
▪ a surface that takes a fine/high polish 43 [+ obj] grammar : to appear or be used with (something)
▪ Transitive verbs take an object while intransitive verbs do not. ▪ Most words that end in “sh,” such as “brush” and “wish,” take “es” in their plural forms. 44 [+ obj] mathematics : subtract — often + away ▪ When you take two (away) from five you get three.
▪ She took her things to her room. ▪ It looks like rain. You had better take an umbrella with you.
b : to carry and give (something) to a person
▪ Take this note to your teacher, please. = Take your teacher this note, please.
c : to carry, move, or lead (someone) to a place
▪ This bus takes you downtown. ▪ Her office is down that hallway. I can take you there, if you want me to. ▪ He was taken to the hospital by ambulance. ▪ If you're going to the store, would you mind taking me (along) with you? ▪ She took us for a ride in her new car. ▪ He's not the kind of guy you can take home to meet your parents. ▪ I took him aside [=to a place that is away from other people] and told him what had happened. ▪ She took her child to one/the side and scolded him. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ She took her team [=she helped her team go] to the state finals. ▪ Her landlord threatened to take her to court. [=to start a lawsuit against her; to sue her] ▪ He took me to the cleaners. [=he got most of my money in an unfair way]
usage The verbs bring and take are sometimes used in a way that shows that they have opposite meanings. When this is true, bring suggests that something is moving toward someone or something, and take suggests that something is moving away.
▪ Here, I brought you some flowers. ▪ May I take your luggage to your room for you?
▪ Here, I brought you some flowers. ▪ May I take your luggage to your room for you?
▪ I took the pen and signed my name. ▪ Take the pan by the handle. ▪ He took her by the hand. ▪ He took her hand and looked into her eyes. ▪ She took her son in her arms. [=she put her arms around him] ▪ Please, take a free sample.
▪ Thieves took [=stole] the painting from the museum several years ago. ▪ That man took my purse! ▪ We will take [=seize, capture] the city at dawn. ▪ Their land had been taken by force. ▪ She took [=borrowed] her dad's car without his permission. ▪ I accidentally took your jacket instead of mine. ▪ Military leaders took control of the government in 2002. ▪ I have my pride, and no one can take that (away) from me. [=no one can cause me to lose my pride] ▪ I did all the work, and she took the credit. [=she allowed people to believe that she did the work]
b : to claim (someone or something) as your own — usually used as (be) taken ▪ “Excuse me. Is this chair free?” “No, I'm sorry. It's taken.” [=someone else is planning to sit in the chair] ▪ (somewhat old-fashioned) She can't be your girlfriend because she's already taken. [=she is already someone else's girlfriend]
▪ They took us as hostages. = They took us hostage. ▪ Three soldiers were taken prisoner/captive.
▪ She was taken [=she died] in her prime. : to cause (someone's life) to end ▪ The plane crash took the lives of all the people on board. ▪ He took his own life. [=he killed himself]
b : to begin to have (a particular shape or form)
▪ The college took its present form after World War II. ▪ The plan is finally starting to take form/shape. [=to have a definite arrangement]
▪ He'll have the fish and I'll take the chicken. ▪ Do you take cream in your coffee? ▪ You can have either one. Take your pick. [=choose whichever one you want]
▪ Do you take credit cards? ▪ an elected official accused of taking bribes ▪ (Brit) The restaurant took [=(US) took in] an enormous amount of money in its first week of business. ▪ I was hoping they would pay me more, but at this point I'll take what I can get. ▪ I insist that you come to my party, and I won't take no for an answer!
b : to accept (something, such as blame, credit, or responsibility)
▪ I take full responsibility for what happened. ▪ No one else was willing to take the blame/rap (for what happened). ▪ I did the work and he took all the credit.
▪ The school takes [=admits] just 20 students a year. ▪ The doctor's office is not taking [=accepting] any new patients. ▪ (old-fashioned) It is time for you to take a wife/husband. [=to get married] — see also take on (below)
▪ I think the elevator will take a few more people.
▪ What size shoe do you take? ▪ It took four people to move the couch. ▪ What would it take to get you to buy this car? ▪ It will take several years to finish the bridge. = The bridge will take several years to finish. ▪ Do you have what it takes [=do you have the skills and personality] to do this job? ▪ The new color is nice, but it'll take some getting used to. [=I will need to get used to it] ▪ Be patient. These things take (a lot of) time. [=a lot of time needs to pass before they happen or are finished] ▪ Keeping everyone happy does take a lot of doing. = It takes some doing. [=it requires a lot of work]
b ◊The phrases it takes two and it takes two to tango are used to say that two people or groups are needed in order to do something.
▪ Both of you should be punished for fighting. It takes two, you know. ▪ We'd like to continue negotiating, but it takes two to tango—we can't solve this problem by ourselves.
▪ Let's take a walk. [=let's walk] ▪ He's taking a shower [=he's showering] upstairs. ▪ Take a look/peek/gander at this. ▪ How old do you think I am? Take a guess. ▪ The kids take their naps around one o'clock. ▪ He took a bite of his sandwich. ▪ Take a deep breath and try to calm down. ▪ We are taking a tour of the building tomorrow. ▪ They took a pledge never to tell anyone their secret. ▪ It's time for you to take a stand [=to express your opinion] and tell them that things need to change.
▪ Take one of these pills in the morning and one before bedtime. ▪ She refuses to take her medicine. ▪ She stopped taking drugs [=she stopped using illegal drugs] years ago.
▪ Please take a seat. [=please sit down] ▪ I took my place next to her at the table. ▪ The actors took their places on the stage. ▪ They took the stage for their final bow. ▪ The home team is now taking the field. ▪ Will the next witness please take the stand? ▪ She took the witness stand. ▪ The senator from Nevada would now like to take the floor. [=to begin speaking at a public meeting]
▪ She took our picture in front of the waterfall. ▪ Our new camera takes beautiful pictures. ▪ The doctor wants to take an X-ray of your leg. ▪ They arrested him and took his fingerprints.
▪ The last time we took his temperature, it was 102 degrees. ▪ The nurse weighed me and took my blood pressure. ▪ Before the seamstress can make your dress, she has to take your measurements.
b : to find out and write down (information)
▪ He took my name and number and said he would call me back.
c : to create (a list or a record of information)
▪ I can't come to class today. Would you mind taking notes for me? ▪ The census we took last year shows that our population is growing very rapidly. ▪ We took an inventory at the store yesterday to find out what we need to order.
▪ We took the highway into the city. ▪ She had to take a different route home. ▪ He takes the subway to work.
b : to turn toward (a particular direction)
▪ Take a right [=turn right] at the next stop light. ▪ Take your first left and go straight for a mile. ▪ We took a wrong turn [=went the wrong way; turned in the wrong direction] and got lost.
▪ He took the stairs [=went up/down the stairs] two at a time. ▪ She took the curve too fast and the car skidded.
▪ He took a job as a janitor at the high school. ▪ She hasn't decided if she is going to take the position or not. ▪ I took a few overtime shifts this month. ▪ He took the role of Romeo in the play. ▪ She says that parents should be taking a more active role in their children's education. [=should be more actively involved in their children's education] ▪ The former governor took office [=became governor] in 1998. ▪ She was the first woman to take her seat [=to begin her official duties as a member] in Parliament.
b Brit : to teach (a person or class) or lead (a religious service)
▪ The new teacher took us for English. ▪ She took a class of eight children. ▪ The vicar won't be able to take the early service.
▪ Her parents made her take piano lessons when she was 10. ▪ He takes both French and Spanish. ▪ I took five classes last semester. ▪ I'm taking a course on world history.
▪ If you fail the first time, you have to take the test again.
▪ What size batteries does the flashlight take? ▪ a car that takes diesel
▪ The team's coaches decided to take another approach. ▪ Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone for coming. ▪ Harsh measures were taken to reduce crime in the city. ▪ I suggest you take his advice. ▪ They never took the time [=bothered] to get to know her.
▪ She was chosen to take charge/control of the organization. ▪ I'll get you started, and you take it [=take over] from there. ▪ Citizens are discouraged from taking the law into their own hands. [=punishing people for breaking laws even though they have no right to punish them]
▪ The committee will take [=make] their decision next week.
▪ The governor will give a statement and then take questions from reporters. ▪ Will you take this call? ▪ Cases will be taken in order of importance. ▪ Let's take first things first. ▪ We'll see what happens and take it as it comes. ▪ I'll need a long time to recover, so I'm just taking (it) one day at a time.
▪ I don't quite know how to take that comment. ▪ He said that I was full-figured, and I took it as a compliment. ▪ No one took her literally/seriously when she said that she was going to quit. ▪ He takes himself too seriously. ▪ He says unkind things to everyone. Try not to take it personally. [=to be offended or upset by what he said] ▪ Don't take this the wrong way [=do not be offended by this], but I think you could find a better boyfriend. ▪ When it started to rain, we took it as a sign [=we believed that the rain was a sign] that we should go home. ▪ Can't you take a hint? [=understand that I am trying to give you a hint?] ▪ I take it [=(more formally) assume, suppose] that you didn't get my message. ▪ So, you're staying here, I take it. ▪ I know it's just gossip, so I take it for what it's worth. [=I do not strongly believe that it is true or important]
b : to react to (someone or something) in a certain way
▪ I was surprised by how well she took the news. ▪ He took it pretty badly/hard [=he was very upset] when his dog died. ▪ She doesn't take such things lightly. [=she acts as though such things are very important]
▪ They just want attention. For instance, take the way they wear their hair. ▪ Take last year's record high temperatures, for example. ▪ The system isn't working properly. Take the case of Jane Smith.
▪ Take it from me. [=believe me] He would love to go to the concert with you. ▪ Okay, I'll take your word for it. [=I will believe that what you say is true] ▪ You don't have to take my word for it. Ask him yourself. ▪ She can't take a compliment. [=she does not believe that the nice things said about her are true]
▪ She has yet to take a position on the issue. ▪ The program inspires young people to take an interest [=become interested] in current events. ▪ They take a dim view [=have a negative opinion] of the country's current foreign policy. ▪ She took a dim view of his behavior.
b : to ask people to make choices or give opinions in (a vote, poll, etc.)
▪ They took a survey of shoppers to find out which brands people liked best. ▪ I think we should take a vote [=should vote] about what to do.
▪ Please don't take offense. [=please don't be offended] ▪ Investors took fright [=suddenly became afraid] at the news and pulled their money. — often + in or to ▪ His grandparents took special pleasure in [=were very pleased by] seeing him graduate from college. ▪ It's important to take pride in your work. ▪ I take comfort/solace in the fact that others have had to go through the same thing. ▪ She takes an instant dislike to [=she instantly dislikes] anyone who tries to sell her something.
b ◊If you are taken ill/sick or (US) take ill/sick, you suddenly become ill.
▪ He and I both took ill after eating the fish. ▪ Several other customers also were taken ill/sick.
▪ Everyone will have to take a pay cut. ▪ She had to take a two-stroke penalty. ▪ The ship sunk after taking [=sustaining] a direct hit. ▪ He took several punches to the head. ▪ He took quite a beating. ▪ “Take that,” she said as she slapped him in the face.
b : to experience (something bad or unpleasant) without being seriously harmed
▪ These shoes have taken [=withstood] a lot of punishment. — often used in negative statements ▪ These plants can't take [=tolerate] the cold. ▪ You no longer have to take [=endure] the pain of arthritis. — sometimes used in an exaggerated way ▪ What happens next? I can't take the suspense. ▪ I can't take this noise anymore!
c : to accept the difficulty or unpleasantness of (something or someone) without complaining or making changes
▪ I wouldn't take [=tolerate] that kind of rudeness from anyone. ▪ I'm not going to take it anymore! ▪ Are you just going to sit there and take it? ▪ Don't take it lying down. Do something about it. ▪ I thought she would be upset, but she's taking it in stride. [=not upset about it] ▪ Stop crying and take it like a man. ▪ I wasn't being serious. Can't you take a joke? [=can't you laugh at a joke that is about you?] ▪ He's a little hard to take sometimes. [=he is sometimes a little rude, annoying, etc.]
▪ Her reaction took me by surprise. [=surprised me] ▪ The latest band taking the country by storm [=quickly becoming very popular throughout the country] is a Swedish group.
▪ She vowed to take (her) revenge against him. ▪ She swore that she would take vengeance on him. ▪ The storm took its toll. [=the storm did a lot of damage] ▪ A war could take a terrible toll on the economy.
▪ She sang well enough to take first prize in her high school's talent contest. ▪ He took second place behind last year's winner. ▪ They took an 8–6 lead in the seventh inning. ▪ The number 20 car took the lead with one lap to go. ▪ They took home the championship for the third year in a row. ▪ Let's play one more round. Winner takes all. [=the winner of this round will win the whole contest]
b : to beat or defeat (someone) in a game, fight, etc.
▪ She took her opponent in the second round. ▪ He's not that big. I think I can take him.
▪ They decided to take the company public. ▪ Are you ready to take your business to the next level? ▪ When taken to extremes, their philosophy can have negative consequences.
▪ If it rains, we can take shelter in the clubhouse. ▪ Here come the bombers! Take cover! ▪ a quiet place to take refuge
▪ Clearly, the lesson he had tried to teach them didn't take. [=they didn't learn the lesson] ▪ We are waiting to see if the heart transplant takes.
▪ a surface that takes a fine/high polish
▪ Transitive verbs take an object while intransitive verbs do not. ▪ Most words that end in “sh,” such as “brush” and “wish,” take “es” in their plural forms.
take aback [phrasal verb]
take (someone) aback : to surprise or shock (someone) — usually used as (be) taken aback ▪ When I told him my answer, he seemed taken aback. [=shocked] — often + by ▪ He was taken aback by her answer.
take action
: to do something : to act in order to get a particular result
▪ The committee is ready to take action. ▪ If we fail to take action [=fail to act], many innocent people could be hurt. ▪ She is threatening to take legal action against the company. [=threatening to sue the company]
▪ The committee is ready to take action. ▪ If we fail to take action [=fail to act], many innocent people could be hurt. ▪ She is threatening to take legal action against the company. [=threatening to sue the company]
take after [phrasal verb]
take after (someone) : to be like (someone, such as a parent) : to resemble (someone)
▪ He takes after his father in height and build. ▪ “She's such a sweet child.” “Yes. She takes after her mother.”
▪ He takes after his father in height and build. ▪ “She's such a sweet child.” “Yes. She takes after her mother.”
take against [phrasal verb]
take against (someone or something) Brit, somewhat old-fashioned : to begin to dislike (someone or something)
▪ They took against her for no apparent reason.
▪ They took against her for no apparent reason.
take a lot out of you
◊If something takes a lot out of you or (Brit) takes it out of you, it requires a lot of work or energy and causes you to feel physically or emotionally tired.
▪ That interview really took a lot out of me.
▪ That interview really took a lot out of me.
take apart [phrasal verb] 1 take apart (something) or take (something) apart : to remove or separate the parts of (something)
▪ They practiced taking apart [=disassembling] their rifles and putting them back together again. ▪ Help me take this puzzle apart. 2 take apart (something) or take (something) apart : to talk about the different parts of (an idea, story, etc.) often in order to criticize it
▪ He takes apart the theory and shows its weaknesses. 3 take apart (someone) or take (someone) apart chiefly Brit : to badly beat (a person or team) in a game or contest
▪ The champion really took the challenger apart in the second round.
▪ They practiced taking apart [=disassembling] their rifles and putting them back together again. ▪ Help me take this puzzle apart.
▪ He takes apart the theory and shows its weaknesses.
▪ The champion really took the challenger apart in the second round.
take away [phrasal verb] 1 take away (someone or something) or take (someone or something) away : to remove (someone or something) : to cause (someone or something) to go away, to no longer exist, to no longer be held, etc.
▪ “Take him away!” said the queen. ▪ He was trying to take the ball away from the dog. ▪ A new store would take business away from existing stores in the area. ▪ Her parents threatened to take away her driving privileges. ▪ If you take away [=if you do not consider] his fancy clothes, he's a rather ordinary person. ▪ The beautiful new theater took my breath away. [=it made me feel surprised and excited] 2 take away (something) or take (something) away a : to remember (something) for possible use in the future — usually + from ▪ What lesson can we take away from this?
b Brit : to buy (food that is cooked in a restaurant) and carry it to another place
▪ We sell hot food to take away. [=(US) we sell hot food for takeout] 3 take it away informal : to start playing or singing music
▪ Take it away, Annie! 4 take away from [phrasal verb] take away from (something) : to reduce the value or importance of (something)
▪ The ugly door takes away from [=detracts from] the beauty of the house. ▪ She made a few mistakes during her speech, but that didn't take away from her overall message. — see also 1take 44 (above)
▪ “Take him away!” said the queen. ▪ He was trying to take the ball away from the dog. ▪ A new store would take business away from existing stores in the area. ▪ Her parents threatened to take away her driving privileges. ▪ If you take away [=if you do not consider] his fancy clothes, he's a rather ordinary person. ▪ The beautiful new theater took my breath away. [=it made me feel surprised and excited]
b Brit : to buy (food that is cooked in a restaurant) and carry it to another place
▪ We sell hot food to take away. [=(US) we sell hot food for takeout]
▪ Take it away, Annie!
▪ The ugly door takes away from [=detracts from] the beauty of the house. ▪ She made a few mistakes during her speech, but that didn't take away from her overall message. — see also 1take 44 (above)
take back [phrasal verb] 1 take back (someone or something) or take (someone or something) back a : to return (something or someone)
▪ If you bought any of these toys, take them back to the store for a full refund. ▪ Waiter, this soup is terrible. Please take it back. [=return it to the kitchen] ▪ I took him back to his apartment.
b : to accept or receive (someone or something) again
▪ They wouldn't take back the dress because I didn't have the receipt. ▪ His wife left him but he decided to take her back. 2 take (someone) back : to cause (someone) to remember a time or event — usually + to ▪ This meal takes me back to [=it makes me remember] our vacation in Mexico. ▪ a song that takes you back to your childhood 3 take back (something) or take (something) back : to say that you did not really mean (something that you said)
▪ My mom is not fat! Take it back! ▪ He refused to take back what he said.
▪ If you bought any of these toys, take them back to the store for a full refund. ▪ Waiter, this soup is terrible. Please take it back. [=return it to the kitchen] ▪ I took him back to his apartment.
b : to accept or receive (someone or something) again
▪ They wouldn't take back the dress because I didn't have the receipt. ▪ His wife left him but he decided to take her back.
▪ My mom is not fat! Take it back! ▪ He refused to take back what he said.
take down [phrasal verb]
take down (something) or take (something) down 1 : to remove (something) from the place where it is hanging or standing
▪ She took the books down from the shelf. ▪ I need to take down those curtains and bring them to the dry cleaner's. ▪ Take down that terrible picture of me. ▪ Please, take it down. ▪ He took down the old shed and built a new one. 2 : to lower but not remove (something)
▪ The doctor asked him to take down [=pull down] his pants. 3 : to write (something)
▪ He took her phone number down on a napkin. ▪ Did you take down the car's license number?
▪ She took the books down from the shelf. ▪ I need to take down those curtains and bring them to the dry cleaner's. ▪ Take down that terrible picture of me. ▪ Please, take it down. ▪ He took down the old shed and built a new one.
▪ The doctor asked him to take down [=pull down] his pants.
▪ He took her phone number down on a napkin. ▪ Did you take down the car's license number?
take in [phrasal verb] 1 take in (someone) or take (someone) in a : to allow (a person or animal) to stay in your house, hotel, etc.
▪ The family started taking in boarders to make ends meet. ▪ The homeless shelter takes in women and children. ▪ They agreed to take him in for the summer. ▪ taking in stray cats
b : to take (someone) to a police station
▪ The police took him in for driving while drunk. ▪ The suspects were taken in for questioning.
c : to trick or deceive (someone) — often used as (be) taken in ▪ He was taken in by a man who said he was collecting money for a charity. 2 take in (something) or take (something) in a : to make (a piece of clothing) smaller or shorter
▪ I lost weight and had to take in my pants. ▪ I had to take them in at the waist. — opposite let out at 1let
b US : to receive (something) as payment or earnings
▪ The restaurant has been taking in [=(Brit) taking] thousands of dollars a night. ▪ They couldn't take enough money in to stay in business.
c : to allow (water, air, etc.) to enter your body
▪ She stood on the shore taking in the salty sea air.
d : to look at and think about (something)
▪ We spent the hour talking and taking in the view. ▪ You'll have plenty of time to take in all the sights.
e : to learn about and try to understand (something)
▪ We paused to take in the situation. ▪ It's hard to take all this information in at once. ▪ We need to take in all the options before making a decision.
f : to watch (a show, game, etc.)
▪ If we have time after dinner, I thought maybe we could take in a movie.
g : to include (a place) among the places that you go to
▪ Our trip to New York City will take in several museums. = We will take in [=visit] several museums on our trip to New York City.
▪ The family started taking in boarders to make ends meet. ▪ The homeless shelter takes in women and children. ▪ They agreed to take him in for the summer. ▪ taking in stray cats
b : to take (someone) to a police station
▪ The police took him in for driving while drunk. ▪ The suspects were taken in for questioning.
c : to trick or deceive (someone) — often used as (be) taken in ▪ He was taken in by a man who said he was collecting money for a charity.
▪ I lost weight and had to take in my pants. ▪ I had to take them in at the waist. — opposite let out at 1let
b US : to receive (something) as payment or earnings
▪ The restaurant has been taking in [=(Brit) taking] thousands of dollars a night. ▪ They couldn't take enough money in to stay in business.
c : to allow (water, air, etc.) to enter your body
▪ She stood on the shore taking in the salty sea air.
d : to look at and think about (something)
▪ We spent the hour talking and taking in the view. ▪ You'll have plenty of time to take in all the sights.
e : to learn about and try to understand (something)
▪ We paused to take in the situation. ▪ It's hard to take all this information in at once. ▪ We need to take in all the options before making a decision.
f : to watch (a show, game, etc.)
▪ If we have time after dinner, I thought maybe we could take in a movie.
g : to include (a place) among the places that you go to
▪ Our trip to New York City will take in several museums. = We will take in [=visit] several museums on our trip to New York City.
take it or leave it 1 — used to say that you will not make a better offer than the one you have made ▪ I'll give you $500 for the camera, but that's my final offer. Take it or leave it. 2 — used to say that you do not care about or are not excited about something ▪ “Do you like lobster?” “I can take it or leave it.” [=I neither strongly like nor dislike lobster]
take it upon/on yourself
: to do something that needs to be done even though no one has asked you to do it
▪ Thank you for taking it upon yourself to organize the meeting.
▪ Thank you for taking it upon yourself to organize the meeting.
take long
: to require or use a long amount of time
▪ It didn't take long to realize that something was wrong. ▪ Hurry up. You're taking too long. ▪ What's taking so long?
▪ It didn't take long to realize that something was wrong. ▪ Hurry up. You're taking too long. ▪ What's taking so long?
take note or take notice
: to notice or pay attention to something
▪ The news made them sit up and take notice. [=suddenly give full attention to something] — often + of ▪ She took note of [=noted] the exact time. ▪ No one remembers taking notice of her [=no one remembers noticing her] at the party.
▪ The news made them sit up and take notice. [=suddenly give full attention to something] — often + of ▪ She took note of [=noted] the exact time. ▪ No one remembers taking notice of her [=no one remembers noticing her] at the party.
take off [phrasal verb] 1 a : to suddenly go somewhere
▪ She took off without even saying goodbye. ▪ Where did you take off to? [=where did you go?]
b take off after (someone or something) US : to start to move quickly in order to catch (someone or something)
▪ If my dog sees a cat, she'll take off after [=chase] it. ▪ He jumped in his car and took off after them. 2 : to begin to fly
▪ Please sit down. The plane's about to take off. ▪ They took off and landed safely. 3 : to quickly become very successful or popular
▪ Her career took off after she won an Oscar for best supporting actress. ▪ Our business is really starting to take off. 4 take off (something) or take (something) off a : to remove (something)
▪ I took my boots off and put on some slippers. ▪ Always take off your makeup before going to bed. ▪ Take that smile off your face! [=stop smiling] ▪ This new diet will take inches off your waist and hips. ▪ Please take your hands off me. [=stop touching or holding me] ▪ I can't take my eyes off [=I cannot stop looking at] that beautiful ring of yours! ▪ Hiring more teachers would help take the pressure off [=reduce the amount of stress felt by] our staff. ▪ Her show was taken off the air [=it was no longer shown on TV] after three seasons. ▪ The toy was taken off the market [=it was stopped from being sold] for safety reasons.
b : to reduce the price of something by (a specified amount)
▪ You can take 20 percent off everything in the store. ▪ They took $3,000 off the original price of the car.
c : to spend (an amount of time) away from a job or activity
▪ He took the day off and went to the beach. ▪ I took two weeks off (work) to visit my family. ▪ I haven't taken any time off yet this year. 5 take (someone) off (something) a : to tell (someone) to stop using (something, such as a medicine)
▪ The doctor took her off the drug and put her on a new one. ▪ He took himself off his medication. [=he stopped using it] ▪ taking a patient off a ventilator
b : to tell (someone) to no longer work on (something)
▪ The newspaper's editor took her off the story. ▪ He was taken off the project. 6 take off (someone) or take (someone) off Brit : to copy (someone) usually in order to make other people laugh
▪ He can take off [=mimic, imitate] our teacher perfectly. — see also takeoff
▪ She took off without even saying goodbye. ▪ Where did you take off to? [=where did you go?]
b take off after (someone or something) US : to start to move quickly in order to catch (someone or something)
▪ If my dog sees a cat, she'll take off after [=chase] it. ▪ He jumped in his car and took off after them.
▪ Please sit down. The plane's about to take off. ▪ They took off and landed safely.
▪ Her career took off after she won an Oscar for best supporting actress. ▪ Our business is really starting to take off.
▪ I took my boots off and put on some slippers. ▪ Always take off your makeup before going to bed. ▪ Take that smile off your face! [=stop smiling] ▪ This new diet will take inches off your waist and hips. ▪ Please take your hands off me. [=stop touching or holding me] ▪ I can't take my eyes off [=I cannot stop looking at] that beautiful ring of yours! ▪ Hiring more teachers would help take the pressure off [=reduce the amount of stress felt by] our staff. ▪ Her show was taken off the air [=it was no longer shown on TV] after three seasons. ▪ The toy was taken off the market [=it was stopped from being sold] for safety reasons.
b : to reduce the price of something by (a specified amount)
▪ You can take 20 percent off everything in the store. ▪ They took $3,000 off the original price of the car.
c : to spend (an amount of time) away from a job or activity
▪ He took the day off and went to the beach. ▪ I took two weeks off (work) to visit my family. ▪ I haven't taken any time off yet this year.
▪ The doctor took her off the drug and put her on a new one. ▪ He took himself off his medication. [=he stopped using it] ▪ taking a patient off a ventilator
b : to tell (someone) to no longer work on (something)
▪ The newspaper's editor took her off the story. ▪ He was taken off the project.
▪ He can take off [=mimic, imitate] our teacher perfectly. — see also takeoff
take on [phrasal verb] 1 take on (something) or take (something) on a : to begin to deal with (something, such as a job or responsibility)
▪ I don't have time to take on any new responsibilities right now. ▪ We are depending on you to take on this important assignment. ▪ Her willingness to take on new challenges is admirable.
b : to begin to have (a particular quality or appearance)
▪ Her writings took on new meaning after her death. ▪ In the evening, the plaza takes on a different air/aura. ▪ stories in which animals take on human attributes ▪ The story was broadcast throughout the world and began to take on a life of its own. [=to become very large, important, and hard to control] ▪ The story has taken on mythic proportions. [=it has become very famous or important] 2 take on (someone or something) or take (someone or something) on a : to fight or struggle with (someone or something)
▪ Police have been taking on the neighborhood's drug dealers. ▪ She's not afraid to take on her critics/detractors directly. ▪ They will need lots of money and resources to take on the tobacco companies. : to criticize or argue against (someone or something) ▪ She takes on the country's current foreign policy in her new book. ▪ taking on sexism in the music industry
b : to compete against (a person, team, etc.)
▪ The Yankees are set to take on the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium tonight. ▪ She took him on in a game of tennis.
c : to allow (someone or something) to enter
▪ The train took on a few more passengers before leaving the city. ▪ The ship sprung a leak and began to take on water. [=water began getting into the ship] 3 take on (someone) or take (someone) on : to accept (someone) as an employee, client, etc.
▪ I'm sorry, but the doctor isn't taking on [=taking] any new patients. ▪ She agreed to take him on as an assistant.
▪ I don't have time to take on any new responsibilities right now. ▪ We are depending on you to take on this important assignment. ▪ Her willingness to take on new challenges is admirable.
b : to begin to have (a particular quality or appearance)
▪ Her writings took on new meaning after her death. ▪ In the evening, the plaza takes on a different air/aura. ▪ stories in which animals take on human attributes ▪ The story was broadcast throughout the world and began to take on a life of its own. [=to become very large, important, and hard to control] ▪ The story has taken on mythic proportions. [=it has become very famous or important]
▪ Police have been taking on the neighborhood's drug dealers. ▪ She's not afraid to take on her critics/detractors directly. ▪ They will need lots of money and resources to take on the tobacco companies. : to criticize or argue against (someone or something) ▪ She takes on the country's current foreign policy in her new book. ▪ taking on sexism in the music industry
b : to compete against (a person, team, etc.)
▪ The Yankees are set to take on the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium tonight. ▪ She took him on in a game of tennis.
c : to allow (someone or something) to enter
▪ The train took on a few more passengers before leaving the city. ▪ The ship sprung a leak and began to take on water. [=water began getting into the ship]
▪ I'm sorry, but the doctor isn't taking on [=taking] any new patients. ▪ She agreed to take him on as an assistant.
take out [phrasal verb] 1 take (something) out or take out (something) a : to remove (something) from a thing, place, or person
▪ She had her tonsils taken out when she was ten years old. ▪ Remove the board and take out all the nails. : to move (something) from the place that held, enclosed, or hid it ▪ Please take out a pencil and begin the test. ▪ Please take your homework out. ▪ I forgot to take out the garbage [=to bring it outside] this morning.
b : to get (something, such as insurance, a loan, etc.) by a standard process or series of steps : to make the arrangements, payments, etc., that are required for (something)
▪ All drivers in the state must take out insurance on their vehicles. ▪ They had to take out a second mortgage on their home. ▪ They took out ads in several magazines and newspapers.
c : to borrow or rent (something) from a store, library, etc.
▪ She took out a couple of books from the library.
d : to destroy (something)
▪ Our mission is to take out two enemy targets. ▪ She swerved off the road and took out a telephone pole. 2 take (someone) out or take out (someone) a : to go with (someone you have invited) to a restaurant, party, etc.
▪ Can I take you out sometime? ▪ teenagers taking each other out on dates ▪ They took us out for/to lunch.
b : to cause (a person or team) to no longer be part of a competition
▪ He took his opponent out in the first 60 seconds of the match. ▪ Our team was taken out in the second round of competition. 3 take (something) out on (someone) ◊If you take your anger, frustration, etc., out on someone, you treat someone badly because you feel angry, frustrated, etc.
▪ workers who go home and take their frustration out on their families ▪ I'm sorry you didn't get the job, but don't take it out on me. [=don't treat me badly because you are disappointed] — see also takeout
▪ She had her tonsils taken out when she was ten years old. ▪ Remove the board and take out all the nails. : to move (something) from the place that held, enclosed, or hid it ▪ Please take out a pencil and begin the test. ▪ Please take your homework out. ▪ I forgot to take out the garbage [=to bring it outside] this morning.
b : to get (something, such as insurance, a loan, etc.) by a standard process or series of steps : to make the arrangements, payments, etc., that are required for (something)
▪ All drivers in the state must take out insurance on their vehicles. ▪ They had to take out a second mortgage on their home. ▪ They took out ads in several magazines and newspapers.
c : to borrow or rent (something) from a store, library, etc.
▪ She took out a couple of books from the library.
d : to destroy (something)
▪ Our mission is to take out two enemy targets. ▪ She swerved off the road and took out a telephone pole.
▪ Can I take you out sometime? ▪ teenagers taking each other out on dates ▪ They took us out for/to lunch.
b : to cause (a person or team) to no longer be part of a competition
▪ He took his opponent out in the first 60 seconds of the match. ▪ Our team was taken out in the second round of competition.
▪ workers who go home and take their frustration out on their families ▪ I'm sorry you didn't get the job, but don't take it out on me. [=don't treat me badly because you are disappointed] — see also takeout
take over [phrasal verb]
take over or take over (something) or take (something) over 1 : to start doing (something that someone has stopped doing)
▪ Here, you take over stirring the soup while I start making the salad. ▪ Take over for me for a while. 2 : to become the person who has control of (something)
▪ Since she has taken over the company, productivity and profits have soared. ▪ Military leaders took over the government in 2002. ▪ They took over in 2002. — see also takeover
▪ Here, you take over stirring the soup while I start making the salad. ▪ Take over for me for a while.
▪ Since she has taken over the company, productivity and profits have soared. ▪ Military leaders took over the government in 2002. ▪ They took over in 2002. — see also takeover
take sides or take someone's side
: to agree with or support one person or group and not another
▪ She refuses to take sides on the issue. ▪ When my sister and I fight, our dad always takes her side. ▪ Why do you always take her side? ▪ The government responded by taking the side of the consumer.
▪ She refuses to take sides on the issue. ▪ When my sister and I fight, our dad always takes her side. ▪ Why do you always take her side? ▪ The government responded by taking the side of the consumer.
take through [phrasal verb]
take (someone) through (something) : to tell (someone) how (something) happens or is done by explaining the details of each step
▪ I asked him to take [=lead, walk] me through his daily exercise regimen. ▪ Take me through that day hour by hour. [=tell me what happened each hour of that day]
▪ I asked him to take [=lead, walk] me through his daily exercise regimen. ▪ Take me through that day hour by hour. [=tell me what happened each hour of that day]
take to [phrasal verb] 1 take to (something) : to go to or into (a place)
▪ They grabbed their weapons and took to the hills. ▪ Thousands of people took to the streets in protest. [=went out into the streets to protest] ▪ He took to the airwaves [=he spoke on the radio] with his message. 2 take to (someone or something) : to begin to like (someone or something)
▪ I took to her as soon as she smiled at me. ▪ Many students have not taken well to the new school uniforms. ▪ He tried skiing and took to it immediately. [=he quickly learned how to ski and liked doing it] ▪ She took to horseback riding like a duck (takes) to water. [=she learned it in a very easy and natural way] ▪ (informal) They don't take kindly to strangers [=they don't like strangers] around here. 3 take to (doing something) : to begin (doing something) as a habit
▪ He took to drinking after he lost his job. ▪ She had taken to sleeping on the floor. ▪ We've taken to calling him “Mr. Dependable.” 4 take (something) to (someone or something) : to use (something) to do something to (someone or something)
▪ Someone needs to take a mop to this floor. [=someone needs to mop this floor] ▪ I took an ax to the dead tree in front of my house. [=I cut down the dead tree with an ax] ▪ He was criticized for taking a belt to his children. [=hitting his children with a belt]
▪ They grabbed their weapons and took to the hills. ▪ Thousands of people took to the streets in protest. [=went out into the streets to protest] ▪ He took to the airwaves [=he spoke on the radio] with his message.
▪ I took to her as soon as she smiled at me. ▪ Many students have not taken well to the new school uniforms. ▪ He tried skiing and took to it immediately. [=he quickly learned how to ski and liked doing it] ▪ She took to horseback riding like a duck (takes) to water. [=she learned it in a very easy and natural way] ▪ (informal) They don't take kindly to strangers [=they don't like strangers] around here.
▪ He took to drinking after he lost his job. ▪ She had taken to sleeping on the floor. ▪ We've taken to calling him “Mr. Dependable.”
▪ Someone needs to take a mop to this floor. [=someone needs to mop this floor] ▪ I took an ax to the dead tree in front of my house. [=I cut down the dead tree with an ax] ▪ He was criticized for taking a belt to his children. [=hitting his children with a belt]
take up [phrasal verb] 1 take up or take up (something) or take (something) up : to begin (something) again : to continue (something) after you or another person stops
▪ She took up [=picked up] the story where he left off. ▪ He is hoping that he and his ex-girlfriend can take up [=that they can continue their relationship] where they left off. 2 take up (something) : to fill (an area, amount of time, etc.) completely or almost completely
▪ The new couch takes up half of the room. ▪ I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I do have a few questions. ▪ The entire day was taken up by/with meetings. ▪ We don't use this table for anything. It's just taking up space. 3 take up (something) or take (something) up a : to begin studying or practicing (an activity, subject, instrument, etc.) usually as a hobby
▪ I was thinking about taking up skiing/dancing/photography. ▪ She took up the guitar at age 11. ▪ taking up art lessons
b : to begin to deal with (a problem, an issue, etc.)
▪ The cause of global warming has been taken up by many celebrities recently. ▪ The court took up the question of how to deal with companies that break the law. ▪ He seemed willing to take up [=take on] the challenge.
c : to begin to have (a new job, home, etc.)
▪ He will take up his post [=begin working at his new post/job] at the beginning of the year. ▪ She went to France and took up residence in Paris. [=became a resident of Paris; began living in Paris] ▪ She took up [=she began to lead] the life of an artist. = She took up life as an artist. ▪ Two men with guns had taken up (their) positions on the roof.
d somewhat old-fashioned : to begin to use (something)
▪ They took up hammers and nails and went to work building the house. ▪ Once again, they took up arms [=picked up weapons and became ready to fight] to defend their country.
e : to make (something, such as a piece of clothing) shorter
▪ Can you take the legs of these pants up two inches?
f : to lift and remove (something)
▪ We took up the carpet in the living room and replaced it with hardwood flooring.
g : to gather (money, clothes, etc.) from many different people or places
▪ They are taking up a collection for the homeless shelter. 4 take (someone) up on (something) : to make an agreement with (someone) to accept (an offer)
▪ “Can I buy you a drink?” “Sure, I'll take you up on that.” ▪ We took the company up on its offer to replace the computer for free. 5 take (something) up with (someone) : to talk about (something, such as a problem) with (someone)
▪ If you have a problem, please take it up with one of our managers. ▪ Have you taken this up with your mother yet? 6 take up with (someone) : to begin a friendly or romantic relationship with (someone)
▪ After her divorce, she took up with a younger man. — see also take-up
▪ She took up [=picked up] the story where he left off. ▪ He is hoping that he and his ex-girlfriend can take up [=that they can continue their relationship] where they left off.
▪ The new couch takes up half of the room. ▪ I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I do have a few questions. ▪ The entire day was taken up by/with meetings. ▪ We don't use this table for anything. It's just taking up space.
▪ I was thinking about taking up skiing/dancing/photography. ▪ She took up the guitar at age 11. ▪ taking up art lessons
b : to begin to deal with (a problem, an issue, etc.)
▪ The cause of global warming has been taken up by many celebrities recently. ▪ The court took up the question of how to deal with companies that break the law. ▪ He seemed willing to take up [=take on] the challenge.
c : to begin to have (a new job, home, etc.)
▪ He will take up his post [=begin working at his new post/job] at the beginning of the year. ▪ She went to France and took up residence in Paris. [=became a resident of Paris; began living in Paris] ▪ She took up [=she began to lead] the life of an artist. = She took up life as an artist. ▪ Two men with guns had taken up (their) positions on the roof.
d somewhat old-fashioned : to begin to use (something)
▪ They took up hammers and nails and went to work building the house. ▪ Once again, they took up arms [=picked up weapons and became ready to fight] to defend their country.
e : to make (something, such as a piece of clothing) shorter
▪ Can you take the legs of these pants up two inches?
f : to lift and remove (something)
▪ We took up the carpet in the living room and replaced it with hardwood flooring.
g : to gather (money, clothes, etc.) from many different people or places
▪ They are taking up a collection for the homeless shelter.
▪ “Can I buy you a drink?” “Sure, I'll take you up on that.” ▪ We took the company up on its offer to replace the computer for free.
▪ If you have a problem, please take it up with one of our managers. ▪ Have you taken this up with your mother yet?
▪ After her divorce, she took up with a younger man. — see also take-up
— see also give-and-take
