1. [for someone or a group] to deliberate something.
> When will the board of directors take this up?

2. to raise something, such as the height of a hem.
> The skirt is too long. I'll have to take it up.

3. to continue with something after an interruption.
> They took it up where they left off.
> Let's take up this matter at the point we were at when we were interrupted.

4. to begin something; to start to acquire a skill in something.
> When did you take this hobby up?
> I took up skiing last fall.

5. to absorb something.
> This old sponge doesn't take much water up.

6. to adopt something new.
> I see you've taken a new lifestyle up.