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take away from

B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

Make something seem less good or less impressive than it really is

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To reduce or lessen the positive impact, value, or quality of something

"The rain took away from the outdoor ceremony, but the couple were still beaming."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To cause someone to pay less attention to the main event, reducing its significance

"The scandal threatened to take away from the party's conference message."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Often used in a negative construction: 'I don't want to take away from your achievement, but...' This phrase frequently introduces a polite criticism. Also used positively to say something does NOT diminish a result.

Commonly used with

achievement performance experience success effort moment

Forms

Base
take away from
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes away from
he/she/it
Past simple
took away from
yesterday
Past participle
taken away from
have + pp
-ing form
taking away from
continuous

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