take it away
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
A way of saying 'you can start now!' — usually when introducing a performer or speaker.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
Used to invite or signal a performer, speaker, or musician to begin.
"The host smiled at the camera and said, 'Ladies and gentlemen, take it away, The Rolling Stones!'"
"Take it away, Ed McMahon!"
— Johnny Carson, The Tonight Show (common recurring phrase, widely documented)
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
Used in informal contexts to hand control of a situation or conversation over to someone else.
"I've explained the background — now take it away, and show them what you've built."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Almost always used as a fixed imperative phrase. Very common in entertainment, radio, TV, and live events. The subject is typically a named person: 'Take it away, Sarah!' Rarely used in formal writing.
Commonly used with
band orchestra presenter performer host
Forms
Base
take it away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
takes it away
he/she/it
Past simple
took it away
yesterday
Past participle
taken it away
have + pp
-ing form
taking it away
continuous
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Synonyms
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