From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishtake somebody/something ↔ on phrasal verb1 take somebody ↔ onJOB/WORK to start to employ someone → hire We’re taking on 50 new staff this year.2 take something ↔ on to agree to do some work or be responsible for something Don’t take on too much work – the extra cash isn’t worth it.3 take something ↔ on to begin to have a particular quality or appearance Her face took on a fierce expression. His life had taken on a new dimension.4 take somebody ↔ on to compete against someone or start a fight with someone, especially someone bigger or better than you Nigeria will take on Argentina in the first round of the World Cup on Saturday. He was prepared to take on anyone who laid a finger on us.5 take something ↔ on if a plane or ship takes on people or things, they come onto it We stopped to take on fuel. → take→ See Verb tableFrom Longman Business Dictionarytake on phrasal verb [transitive]1 take somebody → onHUMAN RESOURCES to start to employ someoneWe’re taking on 50 new staff this year.2 take something → on to agree to do some work or to be responsible for somethingGibson is taking on the post of vice president. → take→ See Verb table
