Definitions of take up:

• verb:   turn one's interest to
• verb:   take up time or space

  Example: "Take up the slack"

• verb:   pursue or resume

  Example: "Take up a matter for consideration"

• verb:   adopt

  Example: "Take up new ideas"

• verb:   begin work or acting in a certain capacity, office or job

  Example: "Take up a position"

• verb:   return to a previous location or condition
• verb:   take up a liquid or a gas either by adsorption or by absorption
• verb:   accept
• verb:   take up and practice as one's own
• verb:   take up as if with a sponge
• verb:   occupy or take on
• verb:   take out or up with or as if with a scoop
• verb:   take in, also metaphorically