ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take up the cudgel for

idiom
Meaning

To make a defense for someone or something, on behalf of another person.


Examples
SIMPLE

She will take up the cudgel for her friend.

CONTEXTUAL

When the boss unfairly criticized the new intern, the manager decided to take up the cudgel for him.

COMPLEX

Despite the risk to his own reputation, the lawyer chose to take up the cudgel for the marginalized community, challenging the unjust laws in court.

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