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

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

As the ice thinned, this smooth foundation allowed large sections to lift off the ground and float, triggering an unusual and sudden calving event.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2026

When outages drag on for hours, the back-up batteries don't have time to recharge, forcing Biletsky to cut the lift off to prioritise water pumps.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

With the rocket now on launchpad 39B, the Artemis team is working around the clock to get it ready for lift off.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

As it began to lift off the ground, I looked down on all the Lost Boys gathered around the runway to say good-bye to us.

From "Lost Boy, Lost Girl" by John Bul Dau