Definitions
1.verbTo pick up."The reel automatically took up the slack."
2.verbTo begin doing (an activity) on a regular basis."I wish to take up mathematics."
3.verbTo address (an issue)."Let's take this up with the manager."
4.verbTo occupy; to consume (space or time)."All my time is taken up with looking after the kids."
5.verbTo shorten by hemming."If we take up the sleeves a bit, that shirt will look much better on you."
6.verbTo remove the surface or bed of a road.
7.verb(with 'on') To accept (a proposal, offer, request, etc.) from."Shall we take them up on their offer to help us move?"
8.verbTo resume."let's take up where we left off"
9.verbTo implement, to employ, to put into use.
10.nounThe act of taking something up, by tightening, absorption, or reeling in.
11.noun(machinery) That which takes up or tightens; specifically, a device in a sewing machine or loom for drawing up the slack thread as the needle rises, in completing a stitch.
12.nounAcceptance (of a proposal, offer, request, etc.)."the take-up of benefits by the unemployed"