lift off

Idioms  

1. Begin flight, as in The spacecraft was due to lift off at ten o'clock. The off in this idiom means “off the ground.” [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lift off

Russell's judgement, to lift off just enough to satisfy the rules, but not so much that it wrecked his lap, was the difference between taking a much-needed pole and being fourth on the grid.

From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026

For those with a minimum height of 34 inches, this is a casual, patient experience, one in which seated guests will gently lift off into the air for a slightly elevated view of the land.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 6, 2026

Because the glacier rested on a flat bed, large portions were able to lift off almost at once.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 26, 2026

Another member of the ESA's 2022 astronaut class, Belgium's Raphael Liegeois, told AFP he felt "raw emotion" watching Adenot lift off.

From Barron's ● Feb. 13, 2026

They spring off the ground and fly over the force field, setting an outdoor high jump record for dogs, just as Dr. Loofah's helicopter begins to lift off.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein