To tighten something that is slack so that it is taut. / To do work that would otherwise be left undone. / To provide extra resources that are not met by normal sources.

(transitive with against or for) Prepare to fight; to arm oneself.

(idiomatic) Alternative form of cross to bear

Alternative form of take up the gauntlet

(idiomatic) To request and receive money or goods of value from members of a group, especially for a charitable purpose.

To make or declare war.

To accept a challenge or adopt a quarrel.

(idiomatic) To make a defense for someone or something, on behalf of another person.

(idiomatic) To accept a challenge.

Synonym of assume the mantle.