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Phrase(s): take someone on
1. to enter into a fight or argument with someone. • I pretended to agree because I really didn’t want to take him on. 2. to employ someone. • I think we could take you on as an assistant editor, but it doesn’t pay very well., Phrase(s): take something (up)on oneself
to accept the entire burden of something on oneself. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) • You didn’t need to take it all upon yourself. There are others here who can help, you know. • Jan takes too much on herself., Phrase(s): take someone or something on
to accept the task of handling a difficult person or thing. • I’ll take it on if nobody else will do it. • Nobody wanted to take on Mrs. Franklin, but it had to be done., Phrase(s): take on (so)
to behave very emotionally. (Usually negative.) • Stop crying. Please don’t take on so. • I wish you wouldn’t take on about this matter.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Undertake or begin to deal with, as in I took on new responsibilities, or She took on too much when she accepted both assignments. [Early 1300s] 2. Hire, engage, as in We take on extra workers during the busy season. [Early 1600s] 3. Oppose in competition, as in This young wrestler was willing to take on all comers. [Late 1800s] 4. Display strong emotion, as in Don't take on so. [Colloquial; early 1400s] 5. Acquire as, or as if, one's own, as in He took on the look of a prosperous banker. [Late 1700s]
American Heritage Idioms