Definition of take away

Short definition: The phrase take away means removing something from a place or situation, or ordering food to eat somewhere else, and it is often used in simple everyday talk about meals, actions, or getting rid of things.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrase take away? The phrase take away is very common in everyday English and has several meanings depending on context. You will hear it in daily conversation, in math, in restaurants, and even in emotional or metaphorical situations. Sometimes it means removing something, sometimes it means learning something important, and sometimes it simply means food you order to eat somewhere else. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels clear, human, and easy to understand.

Forms: take away, takes away, took away, taking away
Related: remove v., takeaway n., subtract v.
Syllable: take a-way

1. (Verb) To remove something from a place or situation so it is no longer there.

   To take away means to remove something physically or abstractly, such as taking an object away from a table, taking privileges away, or removing an option so it can no longer be used or enjoyed.

   The teacher decided to take away the phones during the exam to make sure everyone focused and followed the rules.
   The storm took away the power for hours, leaving the whole neighborhood in darkness.
   Poor planning can slowly take away people’s trust, even if no one notices it at first.

   Synonyms: remove, take off, subtract, strip away, get rid of, withdraw, eliminate, carry off, confiscate, delete, reduce, pull away
   Antonyms: add, give, provide, return, restore, put back, include, supply, bring back, grant, offer, increase

2. (Verb) To learn or remember an important idea or message from something.

   Take away is often used to describe the main lesson or understanding someone gains from an experience, a meeting, a book, or a discussion, focusing on what stays in their mind afterward.

   The main thing she took away from the seminar was the importance of clear communication and patience.
   What I took away from that conversation is that honesty matters more than trying to sound perfect.
   He said his biggest take away from the project was learning how to work better as part of a team.

   Synonyms: learn, gain insight, remember, pick up, understand, grasp, absorb, get the point, retain, realize, note, comprehend
   Antonyms: forget, misunderstand, ignore, miss the point, overlook, lose focus, disregard, dismiss, fail to learn, be confused, forget completely, misread

3. (Verb) To subtract one number from another in mathematics.

   In math, take away means subtraction, where one number is removed from another to find how much remains.

   If you take away five from ten, you are left with five.
   The teacher explained subtraction by saying you simply take away the smaller number.
   Kids often learn math by hearing phrases like take away before learning the word subtract.

   Synonyms: subtract, minus, deduct, remove amount, reduce by, decrease, take off, lower, cut down, lessen, pull from, drop
   Antonyms: add, plus, increase, sum up, combine, total, raise, build up, grow, multiply, put together, expand

4. (Noun) Food ordered to be eaten somewhere else, not at the restaurant.

   A take away refers to food that you buy at a restaurant or café and eat at home or another place instead of eating it there.

   After a long day, they ordered a take away and ate dinner at home while watching a movie.
   He grabbed a quick take away on his way back from work because he was too tired to cook.
   The café offers both dine in and take away options for busy customers.

   Synonyms: takeaway food, takeout, to go food, carry out meal, packed meal, food to go, ready meal, boxed food, ordered food, fast meal, quick bite, restaurant takeout
   Antonyms: dine in, eat in, sit down meal, restaurant dining, table service, in house meal, on site eating, served meal, formal dining, stay and eat, eat here, dine inside

5. (Slang) To reduce the emotional impact of something unpleasant.

   In casual speech, people use take away to mean making a bad situation feel less painful or less serious, often by changing perspective or softening the experience.

   Laughing about it helped take away some of the stress from a very difficult day.
   Talking with friends took away the loneliness he had been feeling all week.
   A short walk outside can take away some of the tension after a long argument.

   Synonyms: ease, reduce, soften, lessen, relieve, calm down, dull, lighten, make easier, reduce impact, tone down, smooth out
   Antonyms: worsen, intensify, increase, add stress, make heavier, amplify, heighten, deepen, aggravate, strengthen, pile on, escalate