take
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queen. (=in CHESS) 4 [T] to get for oneself: Take a seat. | She took second prize. | Why should he take all the credit when things go well? | to take control of the situation | We usually take (=rent) a cottage in the country in the summer. | She made a slow start in the race, but eventually took the lead. (=got into the leading position) 5 [T] to get hold of (something) with the hands; GRASP: She took my arm/took me by the arm and led me across the road. | He took her in his arms and kissed her. | Let me take your jacket. | She took a spade and planted the potatoes. TO ACCEPT 6 [T not in progressive forms] to be willing to accept: The shop will take it back if it doesn't fit. | Do they take traveller's cheques? | I don't see why I should take the blame for this. | That's my last offer – you can take it or leave it. 7 [T not in progressive forms] to accept as true or worthy of attention: If you take my advice you'll sell that at once. | I can't prove I'm right – you'll just have to take my word for it. | What you've said doesn't change my position, but I take your point. (=understand or accept your argument) 8 [T not in progressive forms] to accept or suffer as unavoidable: The president has taken a lot of criticism over this. | The staff reluctantly agreed to take a cut in wages. 9 [T not in progressive forms] to be able to hold or contain: The tank will take about 12 gallons. | The bus takes up to 55 passengers. | I don't think this shelf will take any more books. 10 [T not in progressive forms] to (be willing to) bear; ENDURE: I can't take much more of his nagging. | I find her self-righteous manner rather hard to take. TO NEED FOR A PURPOSE 11 [T] to need (a stated amount of time): The journey takes two hours. (=you need two hours to make it) | [+obj(I)+obj(di)] The flight took us ten hours. | It took her all afternoon to finish it. 12 [T] to need in order to work properly; accept: The machine only takes 5-pence coins. (=only works if you put 5-PENCE coins in it) | The verb 'kill' takes a direct object. | What sort of batteries does it take? 13 [T] to need in order to gain a particular result: That takes some believing. (=is hard to believe) | It took ten men to break the door down. | It takes a lot of nerve/courage to do a thing like that. → see also have what it takes (TAKE), TAKE UP USED WITHOUT STRONG MEANING WITH CERTAIN NOUNS, TO SHOW AN ACTION OR FEELING 14 [T] to perform the actions connected with: I'm going to take (=have) a walk/a bath/a break. | Before giving evidence, you have to take (=swear) the oath. | When are you taking your driving test? | She's taking (=studying) history at university. | You have to be prepared to take risks in this job. | We will have to take steps to see that the rules are obeyed. | She didn't even take the trouble to phone me. → see HAVE (USAGE) 15 [T] to have or experience (a certain feeling): Why do you always take offence when I make suggestions? | He doesn't take much interest in his work. | They took pity on the refugees and allowed them to stay. | I'm inclined to take a more optimistic view. OTHER MEANINGS 16 [T(IN, UP)] to introduce into the body by swallowing, eating, drinking, breathing etc: The doctor gave me some medicine to take for my cold. | I opened the window and took a breath of fresh air. | Do you take sugar in your tea? | Plants take up water through their roots. 17 [T] to use as a way of getting from one place to another: My sister takes the train coming home. | Take the second turning on the left. 18 [T] to test or measure: Nurse, take this man's temperature, please. | They're taking a sample of public opinion. 19 [T] to make by photography: I had my picture taken this morning. 20 [T(DOWN)] to write down: The policeman took (down) my name and address. | Will you take notes on the meeting, please? 21 [T+obj+adv/prep; not in progressive forms] to have the stated feelings as to; consider: I always take your suggestions seriously. | I took your nod to mean that you approved. | Of course I didn't tell her your secret – what do you take me for? (=what sort of person do you think I am?) | I take it (=I suppose) you'll be making a complaint about her behaviour. 22 [T+obj+adv/prep] to separate into pieces: He took the watch to bits/to pieces to mend it. → see also TAKE APART 23 [T] to (attempt to) get over or round (something that prevents one's advance); NEGOTIATE: The horse took that last fence well. | We took the bend at 90 miles an hour. 24 [I] to have the intended effect; work successfully: The colour took and her white dress is now red. | Did the vaccination take? 25 [T often pass.] to attract; delight: The little house took my fancy. | The child was really taken by the little dog. | I was quite taken with that young man. 26 [I;T] (of a fish) to bite (the hook of a fisherman): The fish don't seem to be taking today. † (fig.) He took the bait and fell into the swindler's trap. 27 [T] especially lit (of a male) to have sex