take on

take on someone

1. to fight or compete against someone. Later today, the World Cup champions take on Chile. When you take a fighter like that on, you could end up in big trouble.

2. to employ someone. The law firm took on a new partner. She wasn't sure if she should take a new programmer on right now.

See also: take

---

take on something

1. to begin to have something. A chameleon can take on the color of the leaf it is on, making it hard to see. Her voice took on a troubled tone.

2. to fight against something. You have to be well prepared to take on a large corporation. We understand how this disease works, and we're ready to take it on.

3. to accept something. My sister took on the responsibility of caring for our elderly mother. I knew it was going to be a difficult job I wouldn't want to take it on.

See also: take