Differences between hold off and take off
Hold off means to delay or postpone something, while take off means to remove something quickly or to leave a place suddenly.
Meanings and Definitions: hold off vs take off
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Hold off
- 1When bad weather doesn't appear.
The rain HELD OFF until we'd got back home.
- 2Stop someone from attacking or beating you.
Chelsea couldn't HOLD their opponents OFF and lost the game.
Take off
- 1Make great progress.
The software house really TOOK OFF when they produced the latest version of their DTP package.
- 2Reduce the price of an item.
They've TAKEN ten percent OFF designer frames for glasses.
- 3When a plane departs or leaves the ground.
The flight for Dublin TOOK OFF on time.
- 4Remove.
It was hot, so I TOOK my jacket OFF.
Usage Examples: hold off, take off in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
hold off
Example
We need to hold off on the project until we get more funding.
Example
She holds off on making a decision until she has all the information.
take off
Example
The plane is scheduled to take off at 3 pm.
Example
The airplane takes off in 30 minutes.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Hold off
To delay or reschedule an event or activity.
Example
We need to postpone the meeting until next week due to scheduling conflicts.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Take off
strip off
To remove clothing quickly or forcefully.
Example
After a long day at work, she couldn't wait to strip off her uncomfortable shoes and relax.
To leave a place suddenly and quickly.
Example
When the fire alarm went off, everyone bolted out of the building to safety.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “hold”
Phrasal Verbs with “take”
Phrasal Verbs with “off”
Differences in hold off vs take off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: hold off or take off?
In daily conversation, people use take off more often than hold off. This is because take off is used for more common actions such as removing clothes or leaving a place. Hold off is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about delaying something. So, while both phrases are used, take off is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of hold off and take off
Hold off and take off are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of hold off and take off
The tone of hold off and take off can differ based on context. Hold off often carries a cautious or hesitant tone when related to delaying something, while take off typically has an energetic and spontaneous tone, especially when referring to leaving a place or removing clothes quickly.
