The antonyms for the phrase "took over from" are "abdicated," "relinquished," "surrendered," "yielded," and "resigned." These words all carry the opposite meaning of taking control or assuming responsibility from someone or something. Abdicating means to renounce or abandon a position of power or authority. Relinquishing means to give up or surrender something one possesses, while surrendering means to give up control or yield to someone else's authority. Yielding refers to giving way to someone else's authority or influence. Finally, resigning means voluntarily leaving a job, position, or responsibility. In each case, the antonym implies a loss of power or control rather than an acquisition of it.