take up是固定搭配，是一个多义词短语。

1、按照单词表面的意思，理解为拿起；she took up her things and got out of the office.

2、表示（尤其指消遣）学着做，开始做；

3、开始从事，开始担当（begin sth such as a job）;

Jack took up singing for a while,but soon lost interest.

She wants to take up the job.

4、表示占用

The toys take up a lot of room.

5、表示接受（to accept sth that is offered or available）

Jessica took up the challlenge 。

The bus stopped to take up passengers.