take up

What does "take up" mean?

1. To start a new hobby, activity, or interest
2. To occupy space or time
3. To shorten clothing
4. To continue something after an interruption
5. To accept an offer or challenge

Examples

• I've decided to take up yoga to reduce stress.
• This sofa takes up too much space in the living room.
• I need to take up these pants—they're too long.
• Let's take up where we left off yesterday.
• I'll take you up on that offer for coffee.

How to use it

'Take someone up on something' means to accept their offer. 'Take up' a hobby is very common for discussing new interests.

Word order

Separable: 'take something up' or 'take up something'

Similar expressions

Opposites

Related phrasal verbs

• take off

  To remove clothing or accessories

• take on

  To accept a responsibility, job, or challenge

• take over

  To gain control of something (company, position, responsibility)

• take out

  To remove something from a place

• take back

  To return something to a store

• take away

  To remove something or someone from a place