Definition

1. Verb:
   • To voluntarily stop working or attending one's regular duties for a period of time, typically for rest, vacation, or personal reasons.

Usage

• This verb phrase is used to describe the action of arranging an absence from work, school, or other regular commitments. It implies a temporary break, not a permanent departure.
• It is often followed by a time period (e.g., "take a week off") or a purpose (e.g., "take time off to travel").
• It can be used with or without a direct object. When used without one, "time" is implied.

Examples

• Verb:
  • I need to take time off to care for my family.
  • She took two weeks off in July for a holiday.
  • He has accumulated a lot of leave and should take some time off.

Advanced Usage

• "to take (a specific amount of) time off": Specifies the duration of the break.
  • After the big project, she decided to take a month off.
• "to take time off work" / "to take time off from work": Explicitly states the activity being paused.
  • You look exhausted; you should take some time off from work.

Variants and Related Words

• Leave (n): Formal permission or an authorized period of absence from duty.
  • He is on parental leave.
• Sabbatical (n): An extended period of leave, often for study or travel, traditionally in academic contexts.
  • The professor is on a year-long sabbatical.

Synonyms

• Go on leave: To begin an official period of absence.
• Have a break: To stop an activity for a short period (more general).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Take off (informal, in this context): To not go to work.
  • I'm going to take off next Friday.
• Call in sick: To inform one's workplace that one will be absent due to illness.
  • She had to call in sick and take the day off.

Related Idioms

• To recharge one's batteries: To rest in order to regain energy and motivation (often a reason for taking time off).
  • I'm taking this vacation to recharge my batteries.

Verb

1. take time off from work; stop working temporarily