a :to begin to deal with (something, such as a job or responsibility)着手处理(工作或任务);承担(责任等)
I don't have time to take on any new responsibilities right now.我现在没有时间接手任何新的任务。
We are depending on you to take on this important assignment.我们指望着你来承担这项重要任务。
Her willingness to take on new challenges is admirable.她乐于接受新挑战,令人敬佩。
b :to begin to have (a particular quality or appearance)开始具有(某种特征);开始呈现(某种外观)
Her writings took on new meaning after her death.她去世后她的作品有了新的价值。
In the evening, the plaza takes on a different air/aura.广场在晚上呈现出不同的气氛。
stories in which animals take on human attributes拟人化的动物故事
The story was broadcast throughout the world and began to take on a life of its own. [=to become very large, important, and hard to control]这条新闻在全世界播出后迅速扩大,几近失控。
The story has taken on mythic proportions. [=it has become very famous or important]这个故事成了著名的经典。
2
take on (someone or something)ortake (someone or something) on
a :to fight or struggle with (someone or something)对付;与…斗争
Police have been taking on the neighborhood's drug dealers.警方一直在打击这一街区的毒贩子。
She's not afraid to take on her critics/detractors directly.她不怕直接面对她的抨击者/诽谤者。
They will need lots of money and resources to take on the tobacco companies.他们需要大量的资金和资源来对付烟草公司。
:to criticize or argue against (someone or something)批评;抨击
She takes on the country's current foreign policy in her new book.她在新书里抨击了国家现行的外交政策。
taking on sexism in the music industry批评音乐行业的性别歧视
b :to compete against (a person, team, etc.)(与…)比赛,较量
The Yankees are set to take on the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium tonight.扬基队已经准备好今晚在扬基体育场和红袜队比赛。
She took him on in a game of tennis.她和他在网球比赛中对阵。
c :to allow (someone or something) to enter让…进入
The train took on a few more passengers before leaving the city.火车在离开这座城市之前又搭载了一些乘客。
The ship sprung a leak and began to take on water. [=water began getting into the ship]船裂了一条缝,开始进水。
3
take on (someone)ortake (someone) on:to accept (someone) as an employee, client, etc.雇用;接纳
I'm sorry, but the doctor isn't taking on [=taking] any new patients.对不起,医生不打算接诊任何新病人了。
She agreed to take him on as an assistant.她同意聘他为助理。