TAKE UP Meaning and
Definition
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Take up is a phrasal verb that has multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts.
1. To begin or start a new activity or hobby. For example, "I decided to take up painting as a way to relax."
2. To occupy or fill a certain space or time. For instance, "The couch takes up most of the living room space."
3. To assume a responsibility or commitment. For instance, "She agreed to take up the challenge of leading the team."
4. To shorten or adjust the length of clothing. For example, "I need to take up the hem of this dress."
5. To continue or resume a discussion or argument. For example, "Let's take up where we left off yesterday."
6. To begin an action or process of using or consuming something. For instance, "I will take up your offer to travel to Europe."
7. To adopt or embrace an idea or belief. For example, "He took up the cause of animal rights and became an advocate."
8. To accept or receive someone as a student or apprentice. For instance, "The university is taking up applications for the new semester."
Overall, "take up" refers to starting, assuming responsibility, occupying space, shortening clothing, continuing discussions, beginning an action, embracing an idea, or accepting someone as a student. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.
Common Misspellings for TAKE UP
Etymology of TAKE UP
The word "take up" has its origins in Old English.
The verb "take" can be traced back to the Old English verb "tacan", which means "to lay hold of, grasp, or seize". This in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic word "takaną", which also means "to take".
The word "up" has a more straightforward origin. It comes from the Old English preposition "up", which is related to the Old High German "uf" and the Old Norse "upp", all of which mean "up" or "to a higher position".
Combining these two components, "take up" in its earliest form meant "to grasp and elevate" or "to raise". Over time, its meaning has expanded to include other senses such as "to adopt", "to begin", or "to resume".
Idioms with the word TAKE UP
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take up residence
The idiom "take up residence" means to move and settle into a particular place as one's new permanent or temporary home.
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take up space
The idiom "take up space" means to occupy physical or metaphorical room or to be present or influential in a particular setting. It typically implies that someone or something is occupying or utilizing more space, attention, or resources than necessary or desired. It can also suggest that someone or something is hindering the functioning or efficiency of a system or group.
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take up arms
The idiom "take up arms" means to prepare for or engage in a physical fight or conflict, typically by acquiring weapons or joining a military or armed group. It signifies the act of defending oneself, fighting for a cause, or engaging in battle.
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take up the cudgels for sb/sth
The idiom "take up the cudgels for someone/something" means to defend or support someone or something, often in an argument or debate. It implies taking a strong and vocal stance in favor of the person or cause, advocating on their behalf. The phrase originates from the literal use of "cudgels," which are thick sticks or clubs used as weapons, suggesting a metaphorical fight for someone's or something's rights or interests.
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take up time
The idiom "take up time" means to occupy or use a significant amount of time, often in a way that is unnecessary, unproductive, or causes delay.
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take up where sb/sth left off
The idiom "take up where sb/sth left off" means to continue a task or activity from the point where someone else or something else stopped. It implies the act of continuing or resuming an unfinished or interrupted task or situation.
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take up where one left off
The idiom "take up where one left off" means to continue or resume an activity or situation from the exact point where it was previously paused or interrupted, without any significant changes or gaps in progress.
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take up the cudgels (for)
The idiom "take up the cudgels (for)" means to defend or support someone or a cause vigorously and passionately, often in a public or active manner. It can be used when someone becomes a strong advocate or champion for an individual, group, idea, or principle. The phrase originates from the image of wielding cudgels, which are heavy clubs used in combat, symbolizing that one is ready to engage in a fierce argument or fight on behalf of someone or something.
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take up with
The idiom "take up with" means to become associated or involved with someone, often implying a negative connotation. It can refer to starting a relationship or association with someone questionable, unreliable, or of questionable character. It suggests forming connections with individuals who may not have a good influence or may lead to troublesome circumstances.
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take up the gauntlet
The idiom "take up the gauntlet" means to accept a challenge or confront an opponent or difficult situation, especially in a bold or determined manner. The phrase originated from medieval times when the act of throwing down a gauntlet (a glove) symbolized a challenge to combat. By picking up the gauntlet, one showed their willingness to engage in a fight or confrontation. In modern usage, it is often used metaphorically to demonstrate readiness to face a challenge.
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take up the cudgels
The idiom "take up the cudgels" means to vigorously defend or support a particular cause or person, often involving engaging in an argument, debate, or confrontation. It expresses the idea of advocating for something or someone and actively fighting for their interests or rights.
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take up the hatchet
The idiom "take up the hatchet" means to prepare for or engage in a conflict or fight, typically involving strong opposition or hostility. It is often used to convey the idea of being ready to confront or tackle a difficult or challenging situation head-on. The term "hatchet" symbolizes a weapon used in combat or battle, implying a proactive and determined approach to addressing a problem or resolving a conflict.
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take up arms (against somebody)
The idiom "take up arms (against somebody)" means to prepare for or engage in a fight or conflict against someone, usually in a literal sense by wielding weapons or taking a militant stance. It implies a willingness to use force or violence in defense of one's beliefs, rights, or principles.
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take up the challenge
The idiom "take up the challenge" means to willingly accept or embrace a difficult or demanding task, situation, or obstacle, usually with determination and enthusiasm. It implies a desire to confront and overcome a challenge rather than avoiding or shying away from it.
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take up (the) cudgels on behalf of somebody/something
The idiom "take up (the) cudgels on behalf of somebody/something" means to defend or support someone or something passionately and vigorously, often in a public or confrontational manner. It implies becoming a champion or advocate for a cause or individual. The expression originates from the metaphorical use of "cudgels," referring to a type of thick stick or club historically used as a weapon.
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take up the cudgel
The idiom "take up the cudgel" means to vigorously defend or support a particular cause or opinion. It refers to the act of figuratively picking up a cudgel, which is a short, thick stick typically used as a weapon. It implies being ready to engage in a battle or argument to advocate for one's beliefs or ideas.
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take up the cudgels (on behalf of someone or something)
The idiom "take up the cudgels (on behalf of someone or something)" means to defend or support someone or something vigorously. It is often used to describe taking action or speaking out in support of a person, cause, or idea, especially in a passionate or confrontational manner. The phrase originated from medieval times when cudgels were short, thick clubs used in combat, indicating one's willingness to engage in a verbal or physical battle on another's behalf.
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take up the cudgels (for someone or something)
To "take up the cudgels (for someone or something)" means to defend or support someone or something, especially in an argument or dispute. It implies becoming an advocate or champion for that person or cause. The origin of this idiom is from the literal use of "cudgels," which are thick sticks or short clubs used as weapons. Therefore, figuratively, it suggests taking on a fighting stance or taking a stand in support of someone or something.
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take up arms (against someone or something)
The idiom "take up arms (against someone or something)" means to engage in war, violence, or physical conflict against a specific person, group, or cause. It often implies the act of arming oneself or joining a military force to fight against an enemy or opposing force.
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take up one's abode
The idiom "take up one's abode" means to establish or settle in a specific place as a permanent or temporary residence. It refers to someone finding and occupying a particular dwelling or location.
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take up the slack
The idiom "take up the slack" means to assume responsibility or make up for a deficiency or lack in a particular situation or task. It refers to filling in or compensating for something that is lacking or insufficient.
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take up a collection
The idiom "take up a collection" means to gather or collect money or donations from a group of people for a particular cause or purpose. It typically involves individuals contributing money voluntarily to support someone in need, a charitable organization, or any other collective initiative.
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take up the cudgels for/against sb/sth
To "take up the cudgels for/against someone/something" means to defend or support someone or something strongly and passionately, often in a situation of disagreement or conflict. It implies actively and vocally advocating for their cause, opinions, or rights. The phrase is derived from the literal meaning of a "cudgel," which is a short, thick stick used as a weapon, suggesting the idea of taking up arms or fighting on behalf of someone or something.
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take up arms (against sm or sth)
The idiom "take up arms (against someone or something)" refers to the act of taking aggressive or combative actions against a person, group, or cause, often involving the use of weapons or military force. It signifies a decision to fight or engage in conflict with someone or something, typically due to a disagreement, injustice, or a perceived threat.
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take up
To begin a new hobby, activity, or interest; to start doing something as a regular or habitual practice.
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pick up/take up the slack
To pick up/take up the slack means to complete a task or increase effort in order to compensate for someone else's inability to perform adequately or efficiently.
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pick/take up the slack
To pick/take up the slack means to take on extra work or responsibilities when others are unable to fulfill their duties or when there is a gap in productivity or performance. It involves filling in for others to ensure that things continue to run smoothly.
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throw down (or take up) the gauntlet
The idiom "throw down (or take up) the gauntlet" means to issue a challenge or to accept a challenge in a bold and confident manner. It comes from the medieval practice of throwing down a gauntlet (a metal glove worn as part of a suit of armor) as a way of challenging someone to a duel.
Similar spelling words for TAKE UP
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