1 C1 idiomatic informal
To begin a relationship or close association with someone, often disapprovingly.
"His parents were worried he had taken up with a group of older kids who were skipping school."
inseparable
take up with
C1 neutral inseparable transitive
To begin associating with someone (often disapprovingly), or to raise a matter with the appropriate person.
In plain English
To start spending time with someone (often in a way others disapprove of), or to go and complain about something to the right person.
What does "take up with" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 formal
To raise a problem, complaint, or issue with the relevant person or authority.
"If you're unhappy with the billing, you should take the matter up with the customer services department."
inseparable
Usage tip
The 'associate with' sense often implies parental or social disapproval ('she's taken up with a bad crowd'). The 'raise a matter' sense is more formal and common in British English administrative contexts. These two senses are distinct enough that context is essential.
Words that pair with "take up with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
complaint issue matter manager crowd company
How to conjugate "take up with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
take up with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes up with
he/she/it
Past simple
took up with
yesterday
Past participle
taken up with
have + pp
-ing form
taking up with
continuous
Hear "take up with" in the wild
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Other ways to say "take up with"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
address to associate with bring before consort with raise with
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