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3. take leave of

take leave of

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take leave of someone or something

to go away from someone or something. It is time for me to take leave of all of you. It saddened me to take leave of the city I grew up in.

See also: leave, of, take

take leave of

1. Also, take one's leave of. Depart from, say good-bye to. For example, Sorry but I have to take leave of you now, or After the movie we'll take our leave of you. [Mid-1200s]

2. take leave of one's senses. Behave irrationally, act crazy, as in Give them the keys to the house? Have you taken leave of your senses? [Late 1800s] Also see come to one's senses.

See also: leave, of, take