take up

To use an amount of space or time.

• This sofa takes up too much space.
• Cooking took up most of my evening.
• Will the files take up much room?

How to use it: take up an amount of space/time (The meeting took up two hours.)

Similar words: occupy, use

Opposites: free up

Common phrases: take up space, take up time, take up room

To start doing an activity regularly, usually as a hobby.

• I want to take up swimming.
• She took up painting after she retired.
• Have you ever thought of taking up yoga?

How to use it: take up something (He took up cycling last year.)

Similar words: start, begin

Opposites: give up

Common phrases: take up swimming, take up a hobby, take up painting

To discuss a problem or subject, often with someone who can help.

• We will take up your complaint tomorrow.
• She took the matter up with her boss.
• Can the committee take up this issue next week?

How to use it: take something up with someone (You should take this up with your manager.)

Similar words: discuss, address, raise

Common phrases: take up an issue, take up a complaint, take up something

To carry something to a higher place or towards a particular place.

• Please take up the bags.
• She took the towels up to our room.
• Can you take this up to the front desk?

How to use it: take something up to somewhere (Please take this parcel up to the office.)

Similar words: carry, carry up

Common phrases: take up something, take up the bags

To accept an offer or challenge from someone.

• We decided to take up the offer.
• She took him up on his invitation to dinner.
• Will you take me up on that challenge?

How to use it: take someone up on something (I will take you up on your offer of help.)

Similar words: accept

Opposites: decline, reject

Common phrases: take up an offer, take up a challenge, take someone up

To make clothing shorter by folding and sewing its lower edge.

• Can you take up this skirt?
• She took the sleeves up yesterday.
• These trousers need taking up a little.

How to use it: take something up by an amount (The tailor took the trousers up by two centimetres.)

Similar words: shorten, hem

Opposites: let down

Common phrases: take up trousers, take up a skirt, take up the sleeves