lift off
Depart the launchpad
Lift off describes the moment a rocket or aircraft leaves the ground, becoming airborne: We have liftoff.
The phrase captures the instant of separation from the launch pad or runway.
As a noun (usually liftoff or lift-off), it names that moment: Liftoff is scheduled for 0600 hours.
Figuratively, a project lifts off when it finally gets underway after preparation.
Backward enumeration to zero
- ignitionStarting combustion process
- mission controlEarth-based space operations hub
- thrustForceful forward motion
- propulsionForce driving movement forward
booster · spacecraft · rocket · payload · orbit · escape velocity · astronauts · NASA
Departure or parody
altitude · pilot · cockpit · airspeed · thrust · rotation · wheels up · clearance
Notable event marking progress
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- successFavorable outcome attained
- beginningInitial stage of something
- new chapterDistinct period starting now
turning point · fresh start · embarking · momentum · pivotal moment · genesis · commencement · inauguration
State of awaiting something
- thrillSurge of intense excitement
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
- exhilarationIntense joyful excitement
- euphoriaIntense emotional high
buzz · energy · electricity · cheering · spectacle · roar · rumble · thunderous
countdown
Backward enumeration to zero
- ignitionStarting combustion process
- mission controlEarth-based space operations hub
- thrustForceful forward motion
propulsion · booster · spacecraft · rocket · payload · orbit · escape velocity · astronauts · NASA · capsule
takeoff
Departure or parody
climb · altitude · pilot · cockpit · airspeed · thrust · rotation · wheels up · clearance · tower
milestone
Notable event marking progress
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- successFavorable outcome attained
- beginningInitial stage of something
new chapter · turning point · fresh start · embarking · momentum · pivotal moment · genesis · commencement · inauguration · kickoff
anticipation
State of awaiting something
- thrillSurge of intense excitement
- adrenalineEmergency response hormone
- exhilarationIntense joyful excitement
euphoria · buzz · energy · electricity · cheering · spectacle · roar · rumble · thunderous · awe
- upward movementsleap, hop, bounce, spring, bound
- Starting upignition, kickstart, jump start, boot up, power on
- verbsjump, be, speak, wait, do
- motion changesacceleration, deceleration, speeding up, slowing down, speedup
- motion idiomsin motion, on the move, on the go, move forward, move along
- racing tacticsovertaking, drafting, late braking, racing line, pit strategy
lift offtouchdown
Six-point gridiron play
landing · touch down · land · set down · come down