ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take on

idiom
Meaning

To begin to have or exhibit.


Examples
SIMPLE

The situation is starting to take on a new meaning.

CONTEXTUAL

After the renovation, the old house began to take on a much more modern look.

COMPLEX

As the political crisis deepened, the debate began to take on a tone of urgency that the leaders could no longer ignore.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  2. 02

    cross to take up

    Alternative form of cross to bear.

  3. 03

    forget to take one's medication this morning

    To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.

  4. 04

    get taken in

    To be fooled; to fall for.

  5. 05

    give and take

    A process of compromise or accommodation.

  6. 06

    give someone an inch and someone will take a mile

    Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

  7. 07

    have one's name taken

    To receive a yellow card.

  8. 08

    I take it

    Used to express one's understanding of another's position.

Last updated April 17, 2026