How to Memorize

take off in the opposite direction

Analysis

This phrasal verb has many different meanings, but a common theme that runs through most of them is that of removing somebody or something, or leaving, often in an energetic way. If a plane or bird etc. 'takes off,' it leaves the ground and begins to fly. This is also used in a figurative sense to refer to a sudden rise in the success or popularity of something. "The trend for juicing has really taken off." Also, if you 'take-off' from a place, you leave it, often hurriedly. If you remove someone or something from a place, list, or thing, you can use 'take off'. For example, if you remove an item of clothing or your name from a list, you 'take it off.' Similarly, if you temporarily remove yourself from a job or responsibility, you 'take time off,' or if you remove a portion of the cost or price of something, like in a sale, you 'take money off.'. This versatile phrasal verb is common in both social and professional contexts.

Social Examples (Basic)

1. Thanks to Katie's notable appearance on that television show, her singing career has begun to take off.
2. As soon as the thief saw the police officers coming his way, he took off in the other direction.
3. Sorry, I hope you don't mind me taking off, but I have to be at a meeting in five minutes.

Professional Examples (Basic)

1. Sales of our latest product have really taken off since the beginning of February.
2. I am finalising the work schedule. Do you think you'll need to take time off in the next month or two?
3. Could you take anything off the price considering the size of the order?

Further Suggestions