Meaning of take sth up In English

• 0 to fill an amount of space or time:

  • This desk takes up too much room.

  • Too much of this report is taken up with out-of-date numbers.

• 1 to start doing a particular job or activity:

  • He's taken up the position of supervisor.

  • [ + -ing verb ] Have you ever thought of taking up acting?

  • Patti took up (= continued) the story where Sue had left off.

  • The minister took up office in December.

• 2 to discuss something or deal with something:

  • The school took the matter up with the police.

  • UK I'd like to take you up on your sales figures for June.

  • UK A leading law firm took up his case.

• 3 to make a piece of clothing, such as a skirt or trousers, shorter

• 4 to fill an amount of space or time:

  • Getting his business started has taken up all his time.

• 5 to start doing a new job or activity:

  • She takes up her new post on December 1.

• 6 to accept something:

  • To take up this offer, you must apply in writing by end March 2012.

  • take sb up on sth I'm happy to take him up on his challenge.

• 7 to discuss or deal with something in a formal way:

  • take sth up with sb If you have a problem, you should take it up with the manager.

  • I took the matter up with the bank.