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take off

verb

  1. remove
  2. a rise or leap from a surface in making a jump or flight or an ascent in an aircraft or in the launching of a rocket
  3. take time off, like for vacation
  4. increase dramatically
  5. to go or leave [similar to "get going, hit the road," etc.]
L1465226 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

noun

  1. Nonstandard spelling of takeoff.

    France never experienced a "take off" of the sort hypothesized by W. W. Rostow — a sudden spurt of output that begins sustained industrial growth.

    Therefore, the only sure way to estimate the quantity of lumber required for any particular job is to do a take off of each piece of lumber needed for the work.

verb

  1. To remove.

    He took off his shoes.

    The test grader takes off a point for every misspelled word.

  2. To imitate (somebody), often in a satirical manner.

    Yes, the Peaches, on a nearly non-existent budget, lack professionalism. The basic format of this show — taking off on television, with a soap opera, a quiz show, news, a cooking class and commercials for KY and grass, etc. — resembles kids getting up a skit.

    Pym would take him off perfectly, thought Brotherhood. Pym would catch that accent to a tee.

  3. To leave the ground and ascend into the air or into flight.

    The plane has been cleared to take off from runway 3.

    That high-jumper takes off from her left foot.

  4. To stand up on a surfboard and begin to surf a breaking wave.

    You take off, make the steep drop, hear the white water rumbling behind you and feel the spray on your back.

  5. To become successful, to flourish.

    The business has really taken off this year and has made quite a profit.

    2007 July 12, The Guardian, A welcome invasion. The message is now the medium – that is powerful and means products can take off practically all by themselves.

  6. To depart.

    I'm going to take off now.

    Take off, loser!

  7. To quantify.

    I'll take off the concrete and steel for this construction project.

  8. To absent oneself from (work or other responsibility), especially with permission.

    If you take off for Thanksgiving you must work Christmas and vice versa.

    He decided to let his mother take a night off from cooking, so he took her and his siblings out to dinner.

  9. To take drugs; to inject drugs.
  10. To steal (something) or rob (someone).
  11. To swallow.

    to take off a glass of wine