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Phrase Meanings » take off
What does "take off" mean?
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Remove, as in Take off your coat and stay for a while, or I took my foot off the brake. [c. 1300]
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Deduct, decrease, as in He took 20 percent off the original price, or I want you to trim my hair, but please don't take off too much. [c. 1700]
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Carry or take away, as in The passengers were taken off one by one. [Late 1800s]
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Also, take oneself off. Leave, go away, as in I'm taking off now, or We take ourselves off for China next month, or, as an imperative, Take yourself off right now! [First half of 1800s]
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Move forward quickly, as in The dog took off after the car.
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Become well known or popular, or achieve sudden growth, as in That actor's career has really taken off, or Sales took off around the holidays. [Mid-1900s]
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Rise in flight, as in The airplane took off on time. [Mid-1800s]
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Discontinue, as in The railroad took off the commuter special. [Mid-1700s]
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Imitate humorously or satirically, as in He had a way of taking off the governor that made us howl with laughter. [Mid-1700s]
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Withhold service, as in I'm taking off from work today because of the funeral. [First half of 1900s]
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