Take on

From Fresh Dictionary

English

Transitive verb

take on ((idiomatic{{#if:|, {{{2}}}{{#if:|, {{{3}}}{{#if:|, {{{4}}}{{#if:|, {{{5}}}{{#if:|, {{{6}}}{{#if:|, {{{7}}}{{#if:|, {{{8}}}{{#if:|, {{{9}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}))

1. To acquire, bring in, or introduce.

   The ship took on cargo in Norfolk yesterday.

2. To begin to have or exhibit.

   In the dark, the teddy bear took on the appearance of a fearsome monster.

3. To attempt or try.

   I'll take on the project tomorrow if I have time.

4. To attempt to fight or compete.

   I don't recommend taking on that bully, since he's bigger than you are.