# take off

**Pronunciation:** teɪk ɒf · tayk off

**CEFR level:** A2

**Part of speech:** verb

## Meaning 1: Aviation

To leave the ground and begin to fly (for an aircraft) or to rise quickly into the air (for a bird or insect).

## Examples

- The plane will take off in about twenty minutes.
- The eagle took off from the cliff edge, soaring into the wind.
- As soon as the helicopter took off, we could see the entire city below.

## Meaning 2: Clothing

To remove an item of clothing.

## Examples

- It's hot in here; I'm going to take my jacket off.
- Please take off your shoes before entering the house.
- He took off his hat as a sign of respect.

## Meaning 3: Business

To stop operating or being available.

## Examples

- The company decided to take the product off the market due to poor sales.
- The restaurant took itself off the list of Michelin-starred establishments.
- They had to take the advertisement off the website after a week.

## Meaning 4: Performance

To perform a song or piece of music.

## Examples

- The band took off with a powerful opening number.
- She took off her favorite song and the audience loved it.
- The pianist took off a complex classical piece flawlessly.

## Meaning 5: Success

To become very successful or popular very quickly.

## Examples

- Her new book took off immediately after its release.
- The small startup took off after securing a major investment.
- His acting career really took off when he starred in that blockbuster movie.

## Meaning 6: Speed

To leave a place suddenly and quickly.

## Examples

- The thief took off down the street when he heard the police sirens.
- She took off from work early to avoid the traffic.
- He took off without saying goodbye.

## Synonyms

- depart — Formal, often used for scheduled departures like flights or trains.
- ascend — Literary or formal, emphasizes rising upwards.
- launch — Implies a powerful or swift start, often used for rockets or new projects.
- lift off — Specifically for aircraft or spacecraft leaving the ground.

## Antonyms

- land — To descend and alight on the ground.
- descend — To move downwards, often in a controlled way.

## Common patterns

- take off — To leave the ground and begin to fly. — The plane is scheduled to take off at 3 PM.
- take off — To remove clothing. — Please take off your wet coat.
- take off — To become successful or popular quickly. — Her singing career took off after the talent show.
- take off — To leave a place suddenly. — The children took off running towards the playground.
- take off — To stop operating or being available. — The company had to take the faulty product off the market.

## Collocations

- take off your shoes — Please take off your shoes before coming inside.
- take off your coat — Take off your coat, you must be freezing.
- take off for — We're taking off for Paris tomorrow morning.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/take%20off

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