take flight

USAGE SUMMARY

"take flight" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom meaning to flee or escape. Example sentence: When the alarm went off, the burglars took flight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take "Flight".

The New York Times

"Udaan" means "to take flight".

The New York Times

Go! Take flight!

The New Yorker

So observers could take flight.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Drink Angel's Envy and take flight!

The New York Times - Food

(Listen to her take flight on YouTube).

The Guardian

But it doesn't quite take flight.

The Guardian - Music

A good time to take flight?

The Guardian

A gaggle of swans take flight.

The Guardian - Travel

It's a confident performance that doesn't always take flight.

Independent

American occultists take flight from consciousness in Krishna Consciousness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take flight" when you want to evoke a sense of sudden departure or a transition to a higher state, whether literal or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid using "take flight" in contexts where a literal flight is not possible or implied, as this can create confusion. Instead, choose a phrase that accurately reflects the intended meaning, such as "escape" or "succeed" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take flight" primarily functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the action of beginning to fly or, metaphorically, of suddenly departing or achieving success. Ludwig provides examples that illustrate both literal and figurative usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Take flight" is a versatile idiomatic phrase that signifies both literal and metaphorical departures or ascensions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. Predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in Academic and Wiki contexts. While it can refer to the physical act of flying, it often describes a sudden escape or the commencement of a successful venture. Remember to use it appropriately, considering the context to avoid misinterpretations. When other phrasing options are needed, consider alternatives such as "depart rapidly", "make an escape" or "begin to soar".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flee the scene

Highlights the action of running away from a specific place.

make an escape

Focuses on the act of fleeing from a difficult or dangerous situation.

become airborne

Specifically refers to the act of getting into the air, often used literally.

depart rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and suddenness of leaving.

get off the ground

Focuses on starting a project or venture successfully.

achieve liftoff

Captures the initial moment of departure or the beginning of a successful venture.

begin to soar

Suggests a rapid and impressive increase in success or performance.

vanish quickly

Stresses the sudden disappearance or departure from view.

ascend rapidly

Implies a quick rise or elevation, suitable in contexts beyond physical flight.

spread wings

Metaphorically suggests starting to use one's abilities or freedom.

FAQs

How can I use "take flight" in a sentence?

You can use "take flight" to describe a literal departure, as in "The birds took flight as the sun rose", or metaphorically, as in "Her career finally took flight after years of hard work".

What are some alternatives to "take flight"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "depart rapidly", "make an escape", or "begin to soar".

Is it correct to say "taken flight" instead of "take flight"?

The correct form depends on the grammatical context. "Take flight" is the infinitive form, while "taken flight" is the past participle, used in perfect tenses (e.g., "They had taken flight before we arrived").

What's the difference between "take flight" and "get off the ground"?

"Take flight" often implies a sudden or dramatic departure or success, while "get off the ground" typically refers to starting a project or venture and making initial progress.