کدام گزینه از نظر معنا و کاربرد دقیق‌تر است؟

After the founder's unexpected resignation, her deputy was expected to ______ and steer the organisation through a period of uncertainty, without abandoning the principles on which it had been built.

A) take up the cudgels

B) pick up the baton

C) carry the can

D) hold the fort