take a liking to

Meaning

This expression means to begin to like someone or something, often quickly or unexpectedly. It suggests a natural, positive connection or attraction that develops over a short period. It is slightly more formal or warm than just saying 'like,' but still very common in daily life.

Examples

• The new puppy immediately took a liking to my grandfather.

  The new puppy immediately took a liking to my grandfather.

• I think the boss has taken a liking to you; she keeps praising your work.

  I think the boss has taken a liking to you; she keeps praising your work.

• My daughter has really taken a liking to tennis lately.

  My daughter has really taken a liking to tennis lately.

• He was quiet at first, but he quickly took a liking to his new classmates.

  He was quiet at first, but he quickly took a liking to his new classmates.

• We didn't expect to enjoy the city, but we took a liking to it almost instantly.

  We didn't expect to enjoy the city, but we took a liking to it almost instantly.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She took a like to her new teacher.

  ✓ She took a liking to her new teacher.

  The noun form 'liking' must be used in this specific idiom, not the verb or noun 'like'.

• ✗ He took a liking with the new sport.

  ✓ He took a liking to the new sport.

  The idiom always uses the preposition 'to', not 'with' or 'for'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Our cat usually hides from strangers, but she instantly ___ the new babysitter.

  💡 began to like

  Show answer

  took a liking to

• After a few days, I really ___ the local food.

  💡 started to enjoy

  Show answer

  took a liking to