ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take time off

idiom
Meaning

To take time off from employment; to cease working temporarily.


Examples
SIMPLE

I need to take time off next week for my doctor appointment.

CONTEXTUAL

After working on this project for six months without a break, she decided to take time off to travel.

COMPLEX

Recognizing the signs of professional burnout, the executive chose to take time off, hoping that a period of complete rest would restore his focus and creativity.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a week is a long time in politics

    In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.

  2. 02

    about time

    Far past the desired time.

  3. 03

    any time now

    Very soon.

  4. 04

    any time soon

    soon

  5. 05

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  6. 06

    better luck next time

    Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

  7. 07

    bide one's time

    To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.

  8. 08

    borrowed time

    A period of time whose precise duration is not known but which can be expected to be quite limited, and at the end of which one's situation, benefits, or opportunities will be entirely terminated.

Last updated April 17, 2026