take on

verb

1. to employ or hire

   to take on new workmen

2. to assume or acquire

   his voice took on a plaintive note

3. to agree to do; undertake

   I'll take on that job for you

4. to compete against, oppose, or fight

   I will take him on at tennis

   I'll take him on any time

5. informal,  (intr) to exhibit great emotion, esp grief

Idioms and Phrases

Undertake or begin to deal with, as in I took on new responsibilities , or She took on too much when she accepted both assignments . [Early 1300s]

Hire, engage, as in We take on extra workers during the busy season . [Early 1600s]

Oppose in competition, as in This young wrestler was willing to take on all comers . [Late 1800s]

Display strong emotion, as in Don't take on so . [ Colloquial ; early 1400s]

Acquire as, or as if, one's own, as in He took on the look of a prosperous banker . [Late 1700s]