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

As people get promoted, they are expected to take on more responsibilities and be able to manage them within the role.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

Kirby has even floated megadeals with Delta and American Airlines as a way to continue expanding around the world and to better take on foreign airlines.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 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

“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