took off crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Struggling with "took off crossword clue"? You've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to crack your puzzle.
Solutions for "took off crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LEFT: A common and straightforward answer meaning departed or went away.
FLEW: Pertaining to taking flight, especially for an aircraft or bird.
SHED: To remove or cast off, often referring to clothes or skin.
6 Letters
BOLTED: To run away suddenly and quickly, often in a hurry or fright.
7 Letters
REMOVED: To take something away from its position; to displace.
8 Letters
DEPARTED: To leave, especially to start a journey; a more formal synonym for left.
STRIPPED: To remove all coverings or belongings from something or someone.
9 Letters
ABSCONDED: To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection or arrest.
More About "took off crossword clue"
"Took off" is a versatile phrase that can lead to several different answers in crosswords, depending on the context the clue intends. It might literally refer to an airplane leaving the ground (FLEW), a person exiting a location (LEFT, DEPARTED), or someone rapidly fleeing a scene (BOLTED, ABSCONDED). The ambiguity is a common trick used by crossword setters to challenge solvers and encourage deeper thought about word meanings.
Beyond simple departure, "took off" can also imply the act of removing something, such as clothing or an accessory (SHED, REMOVED, STRIPPED). In some more figurative contexts, it could even suggest sudden success or popularity, as in "his career took off," though these are less common as direct, single-word answers in standard puzzles. Always consider the precise phrasing of the clue and the number of letters required to narrow down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "took off," consider all possible meanings: leaving, removing, or even taking flight. Each nuance opens up a new set of potential answers.
- Count Your Letters Carefully: The exact number of letters is your most critical piece of information. If an answer comes to mind, immediately check if its length matches the grid.
- Look for Crossing Letters: Don't try to solve a tough clue in isolation. The letters from intersecting words are often the key to unlocking a difficult answer, confirming your suspicions or pointing you in a new direction.
- Consider Phrasal Verbs and Synonyms: Many crossword clues rely on understanding phrasal verbs or less common synonyms. "Took off" is a phrasal verb, and its synonyms can be literal or figurative.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'took off' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'took off' can have various meanings, leading to answers like LEFT, FLEW, SHED, DEPARTED, REMOVED, or even words implying rapid escape like BOLTED or ABSCONDED. The context of surrounding letters and the puzzle's theme usually guides the precise meaning.
How does the phrase 'took off' vary in meaning for crosswords?
The meaning of 'took off' can vary significantly. It might refer to:
1. Departure (e.g., 'The plane took off' -> FLEW, DEPARTED, LEFT)
2. Removal (e.g., 'He took off his coat' -> SHED, REMOVED, STRIPPED)
3. Rapid escape (e.g., 'The thief took off quickly' -> BOLTED, FLED, ABSCONDED)
4. Success (e.g., 'His career took off' -> SUCCEEDED, PROSPERED – though less common as direct answers for 'took off'). The number of letters usually helps narrow it down.
What if my 'took off' answer doesn't fit the number of letters?
If your initial thought for 'took off' doesn't fit the grid, consider alternative synonyms and different interpretations of the phrase. Check if the clue is part of a larger phrase or a pun. For instance, 'took off' could imply a humorous imitation (PARODIED) in a trickier clue. Always look at the other crossing words for hints, as they are crucial for verification.