take to

To go into or onto a place, often to escape danger or begin an activity.

• The birds took to the air.
• Thousands of people took to the streets to protest.
• She took to her bed with a fever.

How to use it: take to somewhere (The frightened birds took to the air.)

Similar words: go into, go onto

Common phrases: take to the air, take to the streets, take to bed, take to the stage

To become comfortable with a new activity and learn it easily.

• She took to skiing quickly.
• Our puppy has taken to training very well.
• Did you take to driving straight away?

How to use it: take to something (He took to the new software very quickly.); take to doing something (She took to riding a bike with surprising ease.)

Similar words: adapt to, get the hang of

Common phrases: take to swimming, take to something, take to teaching

To start doing something regularly as a new habit.

• She has taken to walking after dinner.
• He took to wearing a hat every day.
• Why have you taken to sleeping on the sofa?

How to use it: take to doing something (He has taken to working late at night.)

Similar words: start, get into the habit of

Opposites: give up

Common phrases: take to drinking, take to walking, take to smoking

To start liking someone or something, often soon after meeting or trying them.

• I took to her immediately.
• Our cat never took to the new dog.
• Have you taken to the local food yet?

How to use it: take to someone/something (The children took to their new teacher immediately.)

Similar words: warm to, grow fond of, like

Opposites: take against

Common phrases: take to someone, take to something, take to jazz