take up a collection: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Take Up a Collection

Take up a collection is an idiomatic expression in the English language primarily used in American English. It has a specific meaning related to fundraising or gathering money for a particular purpose or cause. The idiom is believed to have originated from the practice of collecting money or items from a group of people to help someone in need or support a specific project or cause. The phrase "take up" in this context means to initiate or start an action, and "collection" refers to the act of gathering funds or items. When someone suggests "let's take up a collection," they are proposing that a group of people pool their resources, typically money, to help someone or achieve a common goal. This can be seen in various contexts, such as assisting a person facing financial difficulties, gathering funds for a charitable organization, or collecting money for a wedding gift or farewell present. In other words, it's a way for individuals to come together and combine their efforts to make a meaningful impact. One related idiom is "pass the hat." This phrase refers to the act of collecting money in a hat or other container that is passed around a group of people. It is similar to taking up a collection as both involve gathering funds, but "pass the hat" specifically emphasizes the physical passing of a hat or container to collect donations from individuals. Another related idiom is "chip in." This expression means to contribute money or resources towards a shared purpose. It conveys the idea that each individual is doing their part to help, just like taking up a collection. However, "chip in" implies a more informal and voluntary contribution, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in achieving a common goal. "rake together" is another idiomatic phrase related to taking up a collection. This phrase suggests the act of gathering or accumulating resources, often money, from various sources. It signifies the effort involved in pooling together funds or items to support a specific cause or help someone in need. Similar to taking up a collection, "rake together" emphasizes collective action and the power of teamwork. Another idiom associated with taking up a collection is "pile up." This phrase conveys the idea of accumulating or putting together a large amount of something, such as money or items. When individuals take up a collection, they are essentially pooling their resources to pile up a significant amount of funds or materials to achieve their intended purpose. This idiom emphasizes the collective effort and the impact of many small contributions. Lastly, "pick up the tab" is an idiom related to taking up a collection that specifically focuses on covering the costs, usually of a meal or an activity. While taking up a collection generally involves collecting money for a broader purpose, "pick up the tab" refers to the act of paying for a specific expense. This idiomatic expression highlights the concept of individuals sharing the financial burden and taking turns in footing the bill. Taking up a collection is an idiomatic expression widely used in American English to describe the act of gathering money or resources for a specific purpose or cause. It reflects the sense of community and collective support among individuals. The related idioms, such as "pass the hat," "chip in," "rake together," "pile up," and "pick up the tab," further illustrate the nuances and variations of this common expression. By coming together and pooling their resources, people can make a positive impact and help those in need.