The expression "took off in all directions" means that something or someone suddenly scattered or ran away in different directions. The word "took off" is pronounced /tʊk ɒf/ in IPA phonetic transcription. "Took" is pronounced with a short vowel sound /ʊ/ followed by the voiceless velar plosive /k/. "Off" is pronounced with a short vowel sound /ɒ/ followed by the voiceless labiodental fricative /f/. Together, these two words create a common idiom that reflects a sudden and disorderly departure.
Took off in all directions is an idiom used to describe a situation where multiple people or objects rapidly scatter or disperse, moving away from a central point or location. This phrase emphasizes the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the dispersal, suggesting that the movement is sudden, energetic, and haphazard.
When someone or something takes off in all directions, it implies that individuals or objects are quickly going their separate ways, often in various or random paths. This can be observed in situations like a chaotic crowd dispersing after an event or a sudden disappearance of a flock of birds startled by a loud noise.
The phrase implies a lack of order or organization, as there is no consensus among the individuals or objects about which path to follow. Each one follows their own instinct or desire, resulting in a multitude of diverse trajectories. Consequently, the phrase may be used metaphorically to describe situations where there is an abrupt and uncontrolled scattering or spreading apart, such as the sudden dissemination of information or the rapid expansion of a trend or fad.
Overall, "took off in all directions" captures the image of a scattering or dispersal that lacks coordination or direction, emphasizing the sudden, spontaneous, and diverse movements of people or objects in various paths away from a common point.