Wiktionary
take hold
vb. 1 to grasp, seize 2 to take root, become established
WordNet
take hold
v. assume control [syn: take charge, take control]
have or hold in one's hands or grip; "Hold this bowl for a moment, please"; "A crazy idea took hold of him" [syn: hold] [ant: let go of]
Usage examples of "take hold".
When one finally did, and finally cooperated with his efforts, he coaxed it into a tiny flame, then got the flame to take hold of the driest of the wood.