take off
verb
- remove
- 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
- take time off, like for vacation
- increase dramatically
- to go or leave [similar to "get going, hit the road," etc.]
Wiktionary
noun
- 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
- To remove.
“He took off his shoes.”
“The test grader takes off a point for every misspelled word.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- To depart.
“I'm going to take off now.”
“Take off, loser!”
- To quantify.
“I'll take off the concrete and steel for this construction project.”
- 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.”
- To take drugs; to inject drugs.
- To steal (something) or rob (someone).
- To swallow.
“to take off a glass of wine”