English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Take over
Meaning
The idiom "take over" means to assume or take possession of something, usually a role, responsibility, or business. It can also mean to begin doing something that someone else had been doing beforehand. Figuratively, it can refer to gaining control of a situation or a person's life.
Usage
- The new CEO took over the company last month and has already implemented some major changes.
- I took over my sister's duties as caregiver for our aging parents when she moved away to another city.
- She took over the project from her colleague who was unable to complete it on time.
- I have taken over my friend's subscription to the gym membership since he moved out of town.
- He took over his father's business after their father passed away, but struggled to keep it afloat.
Roots and History
The idiom "take over" has been in use since at least the early 20th century. Its origin can be traced back to the military, where commanders are responsible for taking control of operations or other duties from their subordinates. The phrase likely evolved from this context and was later applied to non-military situations.
Synonyms in English
- Assume responsibility
- Take ownership
- Take charge
- Take the lead
- Step up
Synonyms in other languages
- зять/устанавливать - Russian (to take possession or control of)
- קבלה/מכונס - Hebrew (to accept responsibility or a role)
- 收取/收据 - Chinese (to receive and process payments or receipts)
- 받아보기/받아줍니다 - Korean (to receive and examine something)
- أداما تنكريكائوا - Somali (to take control of a situation or area of life)