take on
Britishverb
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to employ or hire
to take on new workmen
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to assume or acquire
his voice took on a plaintive note
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to agree to do; undertake
I'll take on that job for you
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to compete against, oppose, or fight
I will take him on at tennis
I'll take him on any time
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informal (intr) to exhibit great emotion, esp grief
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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]
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Hire, engage, as in We take on extra workers during the busy season . [Early 1600s]
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Oppose in competition, as in This young wrestler was willing to take on all comers . [Late 1800s]
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Display strong emotion, as in Don't take on so . [ Colloquial ; early 1400s]
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Acquire as, or as if, one's own, as in He took on the look of a prosperous banker . [Late 1700s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Posting on X, Phillipson said she was honoured, external to take on the role.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
It all adds up to a different take on that time-honored formula.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
One result is the great financial sacrifice exacted on family members who do take on caregiving roles, not only while they fill this role but thereafter, as well.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
As more tasks are automated, client interactions take on even more significance.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
“He will build you this desk and chair in exchange for your help, sir. He humbly requests that you take on the job of tutoring me in math.”
From "Tiger Boy" by Mitali Perkins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
