take on

take on idiom
  1. Undertake or begin to deal with, as in I took on new responsibilities, or She took on too much when she accepted both assignments. [Early 1300s]
  2. Hire, engage, as in We take on extra workers during the busy season. [Early 1600s]
  3. Oppose in competition, as in This young wrestler was willing to take on all comers. [Late 1800s]
  4. Display strong emotion, as in Don't take on so. [Colloquial; early 1400s]
  5. Acquire as, or as if, one's own, as in He took on the look of a prosperous banker. [Late 1700s]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.