take off

take off  {v. phr.}

1a. To leave fast; depart suddenly; run away.

The dog took off after a rabbit.

Compare: LIGHT OUT.

1b.  {informal}

To go away; leave.

The six boys got into the car and took off for the drug store.

2. To leave on a flight, begin going up.

A helicopter is able to take off and land straight up or down.

3.  {informal}

To imitate amusingly; copy another person's habitual actions or speech.

He made a career of taking off famous people for nightclub audiences.

At the party, Charlie took off the principal and some of the teachers.

4. To take (time) to be absent from work.

When his wife was sick he took off from work.