taking-off

The athlete uses the taking-off board to launch into a long jump.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A leap or jump: "taking-off" refers to the act of springing into the air, as in sports or dance, from a starting point.
   • A departure by aircraft: In aviation, "taking-off" is the process by which an airplane lifts off from the ground and begins flight.
   • A start or beginning: Figuratively, "taking-off" can mean the initial phase of a project, journey, or activity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The athlete's taking-off was powerful, propelling her over the high jump bar. (A leap or jump in sports.)
  • The pilot announced that taking-off would be delayed due to fog. (The aircraft's departure from the ground.)
  • The business's taking-off was marked by a surge in sales. (The beginning or start of a venture.)

Advanced Usage

• "at the taking-off point": at the location or moment where a departure or beginning occurs.
  • The runners gathered at the taking-off point for the race. (The starting line for a race.)
• "taking-off phase": a distinct period of initial growth or acceleration.
  • The company is in its taking-off phase, expanding rapidly. (The early stage of growth.)

Variants and Related Words

• Takeoff (n): a noun form often used interchangeably with "taking-off," especially in aviation or sports.
  • The plane's takeoff was smooth. (The aircraft's departure.)
• Take off (v): the verb phrase meaning to remove something or to depart.
  • Please take off your shoes. (Remove.)
  • The plane will take off at noon. (Depart.)

Synonyms

• Liftoff: the departure of a rocket or aircraft from the ground.
• Jump: a sudden upward movement from a surface.
• Departure: the act of leaving a place, especially by vehicle.

Phrasal Verbs

• Take off (to depart): used as a phrasal verb for leaving a place or beginning flight.
  • The bird took off from the branch. (The bird flew away.)
  • His career took off after the promotion. (Began to succeed rapidly.)

Related Idioms

• Take off like a rocket: to begin or accelerate very quickly.
  • The new product took off like a rocket, selling out in days. (Became extremely popular fast.)
• Get off the ground: to start successfully.
  • The project finally got off the ground after months of planning. (Began to operate effectively.)

Note: "Taking-off" is a gerund or noun form derived from the verb phrase "take off." It is less common as a single word than "takeoff," but used in specific contexts like sports or aviation to emphasize the action or process.