Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - take charge

 phrasal to assume care, custody, command, or control TAKE DOWN  verb  Date: 15th century  transitive verb  1. to lower without removing took down his pants  2.  a. to pull to pieces ~ a building  b. disassemble take a rifle down  3. to lower the spirit or vanity of  4.  a. to write down took down some notes  b. to record by mechanical means  intransitive verb to become seized or attacked especially by illness