take orders

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Verb phrase:
    • To be ordained; to enter the Christian ministry: To formally become a member of the clergy, such as a priest or deacon, through a religious ceremony.
    • To receive and be expected to follow directions or commands: To accept instructions from someone in authority and act according to them.
Usage Examples

  • Verb phrase (Religious ordination): After years of study, she will take orders next spring.He took orders and began his life as a parish priest.

  • Verb phrase (Receive commands): A good soldier must learn to take orders without question.I run my own department; I don't take orders from junior staff.

Advanced Usage

  • "To take holy orders": This is a more specific variant for the religious meaning, emphasizing the sacred nature of the commitment. He felt a calling to take holy orders and serve the church.

  • The phrase often implies a hierarchy. The person giving the orders is in a position of authority over the person who takes them. In this company, everyone has a boss they must take orders from.

Variants and Related Words
  • Take order (verb phrase): This singular form is not standard for the definitions above. It can sometimes mean to accept a single command or, more commonly, to receive a customer's request in a restaurant or shop.
Synonyms
  • For "receive commands": Obey instructions, follow directives, heed commands.
  • For "be ordained": Be commissioned, enter the priesthood, be consecrated.
Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions
  • Take orders from (someone): Specifies the source of the authority.
Related Idioms
  • Not take orders from anyone: Used to express independence or a refusal to be subservient.
Verb
  1. be ordained; enter the Christian ministry
    • She took orders last month
  2. receive and be expected to follow directions or commands
    • I don't take orders from you!