take on
To agree to do something difficult, or to start to look or feel a certain way.
Meanings
To agree to be responsible for a task or project.
"She agreed to take on the role of project manager despite her already heavy workload."
To hire or employ someone.
"The factory has taken on fifty new workers to meet the holiday demand."
To compete against or challenge a person, team, or organization.
"The small legal firm decided to take on one of the largest corporations in the country."
To begin to have a new quality, appearance, or meaning.
"After the diagnosis, ordinary moments took on a new and precious significance."
Widely used in business ('take on staff'), sport ('take on the champions'), and descriptive contexts ('the sky took on an orange glow'). The sense of hiring is more common in British English than American English.
Commonly used with
Forms
Understand "take on" better
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "take on" on Looplines