take air—
1. go out for a walk; go out of doors:
- Guests went out to garden, later also brothers Werners went outside to take air.
2. (Ski jumping ) launch oneself into the air when skiing down a steep slope:
- I watch the guys take air and I say, “All right, I’m going to try it.” I like the adrenaline rush.
3. (of rumors, etc.) become known; be made public (also: take wind):
- The FSB officers’ actions took air not only in Russia, but also in other countries.
take the air—
1. = take air 1:
- A few people were wandering among Ma’s flower-beds, taking the air.
2. (also: take to the air) rise into the air; start flying:
- The three got into the plane, waved adieu to friends on the field, and with a roar the plane took the air.
3. (sl.) is used to tell a person to go away and stop being annoying:
- I was very patient with the man, but when he became abusive I told him to take the air.
4. (euph.) leave to use the toilet:
- Danny said he needed to take the air, a gentlemanly statement of his desire to use the outhouse.
5. assume the manner of a person:
- “Come you will be our honored guests at our banquet,” Katya said again taking the air of a ruler.
See also: give oneself airs / give someone the air.