1.would rather 宁愿,宁可
I would rather stay than go.
我宁愿留下不愿去。
I would rather have noodles than rice.
我宁愿吃面条也不吃米饭。
2.take up 拿起;开始从事
She took up the receiver and began to dial the number.
她拿起听筒开始拨电话号码。
They took up arms and fought for their faith and liberty.
他们拿起武器为信仰和自由而斗争。