take charge
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To assume control, responsibility, or leadership: To step forward and accept the duty of directing a situation, group, or activity.
Usage
This verb phrase is used to describe the moment someone begins to lead, manage, or oversee something. It implies initiative and the voluntary acceptance of a commanding role. It is often used in professional, organizational, or crisis contexts.
Examples
- The senior officer had to take charge of the situation after the incident.
- When the manager is away, she takes charge of the daily operations.
- It's time for someone to take charge and organize this project properly.
Advanced Usage
- "to take charge of (something)": This is the most common construction, specifying what is being controlled.
- He took charge of the department during the restructuring.
- The phrase can imply a natural or expected transition of authority.
- As the most experienced member, she naturally took charge.
Variants and Related Words
- Takeover (n): An act of assuming control of something, especially a company.
- The corporate takeover was finalized last month.
- In charge (adj. phrase): Having control or command over something.
- Who is in charge here?
Synonyms
- Assume command
- Take control
- Take the lead
- Take over (Note: "take over" can imply a more forceful or complete assumption of control, sometimes against previous leadership.)
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Take over: To begin to have control of something, often succeeding someone else. This can be a close synonym but sometimes carries a nuance of replacement.
- She will take over as CEO next year.
Related Idioms
- Take the helm: To take control, especially of an organization or project (from steering a ship).
- After the founder retired, his daughter took the helm.
- Step up to the plate: To take responsibility for dealing with something, especially when it is difficult (from baseball).
- In the emergency, several volunteers stepped up to the plate.