take or an animal in

take in

1. To absorb and comprehend some information. A noun or pronoun can be used between "take" and "in." I know it's a lot to take in, so let me know if you have any questions. I wasn't able to take every detail in, but I got the gist of it.
2. To admit someone into one's care or employment. A noun or pronoun can be used between "take" and "in." My aunt took in my brother and me when our parents died. The firm was kind enough to take me in as a legal aide while I was working on my law degree.
3. To offer someone or an animal shelter or care. A noun or pronoun can be used between "take" and "in." My wife has a bad habit of taking in stray dogs. We're already taking in more guests than we're supposed to, so I don't know where you think we'll fit 10 more!
4. To collect as profit or earnings. A noun or pronoun can be used between "take" and "in." We took more in this month than we did all of last year! Managers are instructed to reprimand staff who don't take in at least $1,000 of sales every day.
5. To breathe or inhale something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "take" and "in." I'm eager to get out of the city and take in some mountain air! He's taken a lot of smoke in—he needs medical attention right away.
See also: take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take someone or an animal in

to provide shelter for someone or an animal. When I needed a place to live, my uncle took me in. Mrs. Wilson took in the lonely little dog and gave it a loving home.
See also: animal, take
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • know only too well
  • by any chance
  • as we know it
  • know what
  • I know
  • Don’t I know it!
  • don't I know it
  • before you know where you are
  • have no idea
  • in the biblical sense