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take it upon oneself

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To decide all by yourself to do something, even when nobody told you to.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To decide independently to do something without being asked, sometimes implying presumption.

"He took it upon himself to rewrite the entire report without consulting anyone on the team."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To accept personal responsibility for an action or outcome, showing admirable initiative.

"She took it upon herself to mentor the new employees even though it wasn't part of her job description."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Usually followed by an infinitive: 'took it upon herself to organize the event.' Carries a slightly presumptuous or self-important tone in some contexts, but can also express admirable initiative. More formal than 'take it on yourself.'

Commonly used with

organize inform decide manage arrange investigate

Forms

Base
take it upon oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes it upon oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
took it upon oneself
yesterday
Past participle
taken it upon oneself
have + pp
-ing form
taking it upon oneself
continuous

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Synonyms

take the initiative volunteer take responsibility appoint oneself make it one's business

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