lift off
phr. v.. B1 Intermediate Oxford
phr. v.. to take off or begin moving, usually referring to an airplane or a rocket.
phr. v.. to begin moving or ascend, typically used for aircraft or spacecraft; can also mean to start a project or activity.
The plane lifts off at 10 AM.
The pilot waited until the runway was clear before the plane lifted off.
As the rocket lifted off, the crowd erupted in cheers, marking the start of the space mission.
Usage
typically used with inanimate objects like planes or rockets, though can be metaphorical.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'take off' (more general) and note that 'lift off' is more specific to mechanical things taking off.
Pitfall
The athlete lifted off the ground.The athlete jumped off the ground.'lift off' is for objects, not people — use 'jump off' for human movement.