take wing

The phrase "take wing" is used both literally to describe the flight of birds and figuratively to denote sudden success or departure.

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Definition

B2Nature

(literal)To start flying.

Example

The birds took wing at dawn, filling the sky with their song.

B2General

(figurative)To begin to succeed or develop rapidly.

Example

Her business took wing after she introduced the new product line.

B2General

(figurative)To leave or escape quickly.

Example

As soon as they heard the sirens, they took wing and disappeared into the night.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "take wing":

take flight fly off on the wing fly out fly the coop let fly fly upon get off the ground fly high take off leave the nest jet off take a flyer fly by first flight take root flying start blast off go forth angel wing