taken up with something— 1. busy or fully occupied with smth.: She discouraged Hughie from following her, saying vaguely that she would be taken up with the film festival. 2. finding smth. such as a thought, idea, etc. interesting or attractive: In the Russian revolution, the Mensheviks were totally taken up with the idea that […]
Taken up with someone vs Taken with someone
taken up with someone— 1. greatly attracted to a person: Hasan made a feast for the four friends who were taken up with him, and sent them away with handsome gifts. 2. (of an issue, question, etc.) discussed with or addressed by a person: All of these policies are sanctioned by Boris Yeltsin and need […]
Taken short vs Taken up short
taken short— 1. taken by surprise (being unprepared for smth.): They may have been taken short by the climate before reaching the Pacific. 2. said of a sudden need to go to the toilet: Simon was in such a terrible state of nerves that he had already been taken short twice. taken up short—interrupted in […]
Takeaway vs Takehome
takeaway—(of food) sold to be eaten away from its place of sale (also: take-out): The market has many different types of stalls selling takeaway food at a very reasonable price. takehome— 1. (of pay) final net pay after all deductions have been made: He was not an officer, but with his extra duties, and benefits, […]
Take wing vs Wing it
take wing— 1. (of birds) rise into the air; start flying: The bird is remarkably swift on foot, and, though averse to flight, capable of great speed when compelled to take wing. 2. (coll.) disappear; vanish: I found a fellow who was in the same regiment with him, and knew this Mrs. Glasher before she […]
Take up the baton vs Take up the cudgel
take up the baton— 1. conduct an orchestra: Although when Barenboim first took up the baton there were some pianists who occasionally conducted, it was generally frowned upon. 2. take control or responsibility for smth.: Initial tests showed a decrease in noise levels…. The researchers then took up the baton to develop a solution to […]
Take to one’s feet vs Take to one’s legs
take to one’s feet— 1. (of an audience) rise to applaud, etc.: That’s when the audience got in the act and took to their feet to applaud. 2. go on foot; walk: As buses and trams were abandoned or stood in long lines at blockades, the residents of Belgrade took to their feet. take to […]
Take time off vs Take time out
take time off—remain away from work, study, etc. for a period of time (because one is unwell, etc.): I occasionally take time off to hike in the mountains and ski. take time out—take a break from one’s normal routine of studying or working (in order to do smth. different): I usually take time out during […]
Take the wind vs Take wind
take the wind —(sl.) take one’s leave; make a hasty retreat (also: take the breeze): I took the wind just as soon as I could get over the wall and get out of here. take wind—(of a rumor, etc.) become known (also: take air): The preparations for Margaret’s flight had not been conducted so secretly […]
Take the water vs Take the waters
take the water— 1. (of an animal) enter a lake, river, etc. and begin to swim: I heard a splash and saw a deer take the water 300 yards or so above me. 2. (of a ship) be launched: The ship took the water beautifully, the strains of the band mingling with the cheers of […]
Take the time vs Take time
take the time—use a certain amount of one’s time for an activity: I dislike to take the time to study out laboriously these things which are mostly well known to botanists. take time— 1. require time; extend over a relatively long period: It was merely a matter of shock to the nerve centers. Such a […]
Take the road vs Take to the road
take the road—follow a particular route: We stayed high and took the road that followed the contours of the mountainside. take to the road— 1. set out; get on the way: I got back in the van, finished my ice cream and then took to the road. 2. = take the road: Jonathan Butts in […]