that runs between Palo Alto and Mayfield. 3. become a tramp: Cook did not take to the road through want, but rather from what the psychiatrists call “maladjustment.” take the time • 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 thing sometimes took time to mend. 2. = take the time: The abstentions of 1972 were due to an overwhelming con- viction that Mr. Nixon had it made, so why take time to go out and vote? Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase take time by the forelockact in advance of an expected event: The firm took time by the forelock in closing down before the strike. See also: take one’s hour / take one’s time. take the water • 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 those assembled. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase take in water1. drink or absorb water: If you sweat and don’t replace it [water], you can get into trouble. Thirst should never serve as a reminder to take in water . 2. (of a vessel) strike a leak: In 1620, the boats set off from Southampton for the New World. Before too long the Speedwell started to take in water take the waters—drink the water of a mineral spring as a medicinal substance: He [Milton] died at Spa, where he was taking the waters , in September 1653. take the wind • 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 but that some rumor of them had taken wind . take time off • 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 the afternoon for a cup of tea. take to one’s feet • 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 one’s legs—(also: take to one’s heels) retreat in flight; run away: There was general confusion in the market and peo- ple took to their legs leaving behind their goods. take up the baton • 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 a problem as old as the railway itself. take up the cudgel—(also: take up the cudgels) engage in a vigorous struggle or debate: It was a movement that sent thou- sands of conscientious objectors to take up the cudgel against military hegemony. take wing • 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 reg- iment with him, and knew this Mrs. Glasher before she took wing . wing it—(sl.) speak or act without preparation: Mr. Trudeau came without notes, choosing to wing it . takeaway • 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, his takehome pay was much larger than mine. 2. is used of texts and exams to be done at home: I also use my web site to post announcements to the class, and to receive takehome tests. 3. (rare) = takeaway: It gets a little repetitious having takehome food or frozen casseroles for dinner every night. taken short • 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 toi- let: Simon was in such a terrible state of nerves that he had already been taken short twice. taken up short—interrupted in one’s speech: The chairman was just beginning to explain his plan when he was taken up short by a loud whistle. taken up with someone • 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 to be taken up with him. taken with someone— = taken up with someone 1: For what- ever reason, Emma was just absolutely taken with him! Today was his second visit out here. taken up with something • taken with something 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 attrac- tive: In the Russian revolution, the Mensheviks were totally taken up with the idea that the capitalist class should be involved. taken with something—1. = taken up with something 2: He is especially taken with the idea of the North as a place of repose, a place to gather thoughts. 2. seized with smth. such as dizziness, a fit of sneezing, etc.: Mrs. Boffin was then taken with a laughing fit of clapping her hands, and clapping her knees. taking one thing with another • what with one thing and another taking one thing with another—considering every aspect of take the time – 316 –