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take charge
/teɪk tʃɑːrdʒ/◆phrasal verb
assume responsibility or leadership
She decided to take charge of the project when the manager was absent.
She took responsibility for leading the project in the manager's absence.
informal
To assume responsibility or leadership for something, often in a decisive manner.
The team looked to him to take charge during the crisis.
The team relied on him to lead and make decisions during the crisis.
She took charge of the meeting when no one else was organizing it.
She stepped up to lead the meeting when no one else was taking initiative.
This phrase is often used in contexts where someone steps up to lead or manage a situation.
Collocations
take charge ofto assume responsibility for something specifictake charge into assume leadership in a particular area or situation
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
Use 'take charge' when describing someone stepping up to lead or manage a situation, not just performing a task.
Gold Rule
Leadership Context
This phrase is most commonly used in contexts where someone is assuming leadership or responsibility, not just performing a routine task.
Word Origin
The phrase 'take charge' comes from the verb 'take' meaning to assume or accept, and 'charge' meaning responsibility or control. It has been used in English since the early 19th century.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in business, leadership, and emergency situations. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone taking control of a situation.
Word Breakdown
take
to assume or accept
rootcharge
responsibility or control
rootEnglish Dictionary