take on

British  

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

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take on Idioms  

1. 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]

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

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

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

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

take on

He calls on the state governor, whom he supports, to hire and arm more people to take on the bandits.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

Scott’s grounded, semi-comedic take on Andy Weir’s novel resulted in seven Oscar nominations.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

Ten years later, Whitney Houston’s blockbuster take on the song, recorded for the soundtrack of “The Bodyguard,” became a multiple Grammy winner and the all-time best-selling single by a female artist.

From Salon ● Aug. 25, 2026

Some, however, eventually settle inside tissues and take on functions tailored to their local environment.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 25, 2026

With his newfound sight, the young Roosevelt was ready to take on whatever came next.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple