push off

You can use it as a phrasal verb. You might say, 'It is getting late, let’s push off now.' This sounds active and energetic. It implies you are ready for the next part of your day. If you are using it as a command, you just say, 'Push off!' It works best when you are moving away from a fixed point. Think of it as the moment of departure. It is very common in British English.

Use it when you are with friends and want to suggest leaving a cafe or a park. It feels natural when you are outdoors. It is great for sports too. If you are a swimmer, you push off the wall to start a lap. Use it when you want to be slightly dismissive of someone annoying. It is perfect for that 'I’ve had enough' feeling. Just make sure you have the right tone of voice.

Do not use this in a job interview or with your boss. Saying 'I need to push off' to a CEO sounds like you don't care about the meeting. Avoid telling a stranger to push off unless you want a confrontation. It is too blunt for formal customer service. Never use it in a sad or serious situation. It carries a sense of movement and energy that doesn't fit a funeral or a hospital visit.

This phrase has a very 'outdoorsy' and nautical history. It comes from the action of launching a boat from the shore. In British culture, it became a popular way to be 'politely rude.' It is the kind of thing a grumpy character in a classic movie would say to kids playing on their lawn. It feels very mid-20th century but is still used today by people of all ages.

You might hear shove off, which is a bit more aggressive. If you say pushing off, you are describing the current action of leaving. Some people use take off as a more modern, global alternative. However, push off remains the classic choice for a clean break from a location.