Crossword Genius

Accepted the burden and became boss (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

took charge

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'became boss' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'accepted the burden' is the wordplay.
'accepted' becomes 'took' (I've seen this before).
'the burden' becomes 'charge' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'took'+'charge'='TOOK CHARGE'

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for took charge that I've seen before include "Was chair" , "Was appointed CO" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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