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take up for

B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To speak up and defend someone when other people are being mean about them.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To verbally defend or support someone who is being blamed, criticized, or attacked.

"Nobody else said a word, but Maria took up for her colleague when the manager was being unfair."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Primarily used in Southern American English. Less common in British or other varieties. In standard dialects, 'stand up for' or 'stick up for' are more widely understood equivalents.

Commonly used with

friend colleague accused underdog sibling

Forms

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

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Synonyms

stand up for stick up for defend back up speak up for side with

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