take up the baton—
1. conduct an orchestra:
- Although when Barenboim first took up the baton there were some pianists who occasionally conducted, it was generally frowned upon.
2. take control or responsibility for smth.:
- Initial tests showed a decrease in noise levels…. The researchers then took up the baton to develop a solution to a problem as old as the railway itself.
take up the cudgel —(also: take up the cudgels) engage in a vigorous struggle or debate:
- It was a movement that sent thousands of conscientious objectors to take up the cudgel against military hegemony.