take on

Definitions

1. 1

   To acquire, bring in, or introduce.

   • The ship took on cargo in Norfolk yesterday.
   • The first of 14 Class 68s to be taken on by Chiltern Railways (68020) has been reliveried in the company's new dark blue livery.
2. 2

   To begin to have or exhibit.

   • In the dark, the teddy bear took on the appearance of a fearsome monster.
3. 3

   To assume or take responsibility for.

   • I'll take on the project if no one else will.
   • She was 78, I think, and if there was only one customer, she’d take him on sometimes.
4. ›+ 5 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To attempt to fight, compete with, or engage with.

      • I don't recommend taking on that bully, since he's bigger than you are.
      • “I’ll bet, despite the fact that the Tenhausens picked you as a soul-mate for June Atterman, that if Beth Hillyer took of[f] her clothes and shook herself at you, you’d point right in the air and be ready to take her on.”
      • I don't find that sexy. I tell her to take her time and try to be friends and work her way in. Then I might see something nice in her and take her on.
   2. 5

      To (attempt to) dribble round (an opposition player).

      • 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.
   3. 6

      To catch on, do well

      To catch on, do well; to become popular.

      • 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.
   4. 7

      To grieve or be concerned (about something or someone).

      • 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.
   5. 8

      To enlist into military service.

The neighborhood