Crossword Genius

Assumed, when one made a fuss (4,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

took on

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'assumed' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'when one made a fuss' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'when' could be 'on' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'on' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'took' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for took on that I've seen before include "Employed" , "challenged" , "Got upset < , did recruit" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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