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take up with

C1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To start spending time with someone (often in a way others disapprove of), or to go and complain about something to the right person.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

complaint issue matter manager crowd company

Forms

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

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Synonyms

associate with consort with raise with address to bring before

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