I was taken _____ at his sudden departure. (to be very surprised)

Tracey is always following me around everywhere. I wish she would take a _____ and leave me alone. (understand what someone wants you to do, even though they do not say it directly)

We're not taking _____ any new staff at the moment. (to start to employ someone)

When I got on the bus I realized I didn't have any money. But as it was snowing heavily, the driver took _____ _____ me and let me stay on without paying. (Feel sorry for. You need two words here.)

Sales of the new computer took _____ after the television commercial. (to become successful or popular fast)

I didn't mean what I said. I take it _____. (informal – to admit that something you said to or about someone was wrong)

She decided to take _____ photography as a hobby. (to start doing something regularly as a habit, job or interest)

Don't worry, I'm only taking the _____. (informal – to say something to try and make someone or something look silly, especially in a friendly way. Clue: the word you need is also the name of a famous cartoon character!)

Everybody said how nice she was, but I never really took _____ her. (to start liking someone or something)

If a team loses, it's normally the manager who takes the _____ _____ the defeat and not the players. (accepts responsibility. You need two words here.)

Before resuming the match, the referee took the player _____ and told him to calm down. (move someone away from other people in order to talk to them)

I'm not sure how much of my explanation she took _____. (to understand and remember something that you hear or read)