1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To mentor or protect someone less experienced (always as 'take under one's wing').
"The senior designer took the intern under her wing and taught her everything she knew."
inseparable
take under
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
Short for 'take under one's wing' — to guide, protect, or mentor someone less experienced.
In plain English
To look after and help someone who is younger or less experienced, like a big brother or sister.
What does "take under" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place something beneath oneself, as a bird shelters a chick under its wing.
Actually means
To look after and help someone who is younger or less experienced, like a big brother or sister.
Usage tip
Almost always used as part of the idiomatic expression 'take someone under one's wing.' The standalone form 'take under' is not standard on its own. The full idiom is common across formal and informal registers.
Words that pair with "take under"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wing protection guidance mentorship apprentice newcomer
How to conjugate "take under"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
take under
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes under
he/she/it
Past simple
took under
yesterday
Past participle
taken under
have + pp
-ing form
taking under
continuous
Hear "take under" in the wild
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Other ways to say "take under"
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