take away
The waiter took away the dirty dishes.
The waiter removed the dirty dishes.
to remove something from a place
She took away the old furniture from the house.
She removed the old furniture from the house.
Commonly used in everyday contexts.
to carry out food from a restaurant to eat elsewhere
We decided to take away some pizza for dinner.
We decided to order pizza to go for dinner.
Often used in the context of food delivery or takeout.
to distract someone or divert their attention
The magician used tricks to take away the audience's attention.
The magician used tricks to distract the audience.
Less common usage, often in metaphorical contexts.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'take away' can vary based on context. Pay attention to whether it's used literally or figuratively.
Gold Rule
Common Usage
'Take away' is commonly used to mean 'remove' or 'carry out food.' Always consider the context to determine the correct meaning.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'taken away,' combining the verb 'take' and the preposition 'away.'
Usage Notes
The phrasal verb 'take away' is versatile and can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. In the context of food, it often refers to ordering food to go.