Laxi Dictionary

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Definition take up in British English

take up phrasal verb

[transitive] phrasal verb
1

to start doing something regularly as a habit, job, or interest

Example

I took up smoking when I was at school.

Example

Chris has taken up jogging.

Example

The new surgeon will take up her post in May.

Synonyms and related words
start on begin set about habit routine daily life
2

to fill a particular amount of space or time

Example

These files take up a lot of disk space.

Example

I'll try not to take up too much of your time.

Synonyms and related words
fill cram stuff
3

to accept an offer or a challenge (=an offer to fight or compete) that someone has made to you

Example

Schools are taking up the offer of cut-price computers.

Example

One of our greatest athletes has taken up a new challenge.

Synonyms and related words
play race meet
4

to reduce the length of a piece of clothing or some curtains

Synonyms and related words
sew mend stitch
5

to continue to discuss or deal with an idea, problem, or suggestion

Example

She fell silent, and her brother took up the story.

Example

Mrs Pankhurst took up the cause of women's rights.

Synonyms and related words
discuss consider talk
Example

Would you be willing to take up arms for this cause?

Synonyms and related words
attack bayonet be bombed out (of something)
7

to start living somewhere

Example

Mice have taken up residence under their floorboards.

Definition take up in British English