take root

1. Become established or fixed, as in We're not sure how the movement took root, but it did so very rapidly. This idiom transfers the establishment of a plant, whose roots settle into the earth, to other matters. [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

In an ordinary field in a quiet part of east England, a unique experiment is taking root.

From BBC

Sir Keir argued "it is now time for social democrats to confront directly some of the challenges and some of the lies that have taken root in our societies".

From BBC

“This is about ending secrecy wherever abuse of power takes root,” said Anouska De Georgiou, who was among the Epstein victims who held a news conference on Capitol Hill.

From Los Angeles Times

As painful as it was for Tami to absorb firsthand “all the black, gray and blanch-white,” a germ of an idea took root in those ashes.

From Los Angeles Times

Critics argue that his reluctance to fully reform the justice system or confront the legacy of the Securitate – the feared secret police – allowed a culture of impunity to take root.

From BBC

Related Words

• burgeon 
• germinate 
• grow