take under
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To look after and help someone who is younger or less experienced, like a big brother or sister.
Literal meaning: To place something beneath oneself, as a bird shelters a chick under its wing.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
wing protection guidance mentorship apprentice newcomer
Forms
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
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Synonyms
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