launch (redirected from launching)

launch (one's lunch)

Sl. to empty one's stomach; to vomit. When I saw that mess, I almost launched my lunch. Watch out! She's going to launch!

launch something against someone or something

to set something going against someone or something. The general launched an attack against the town. Claire launched a gossip attack against James.

See also: against

launch forth (upon something)

to set out on something; to begin on something, such as a journey or a long lecture or sermon. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) We launched forth on our trip before dawn. What time shall we launch forth tomorrow morning?

See also: forth

launch into something

to start in doing something. Now, don't launch into lecturing me about manners again! Tim's mother launched into a sermon about how to behave at the dinner table.

launch out on something

to start out to do something or go somewhere. When are you going to launch out on your expedition? Ted and Bill launched out on their trip through the mountains.

See also: out

set forth on something and launch forth on something 

1. Lit. to start out on something, such as a journey. We intend to set forth on our journey very early in the morning. What time will you launch forth on your trip?

2. Fig. to begin presenting a speech or an explanation. As soon as John set forth on his speech, three people walked out. Every time he launches forth on a presentation, it's a half hour before he shuts up.

See also: forth, set

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launch into somebody

to criticize someone severely He launched into me for not having called or e-mailed in a long time.

launch into something

to start something with energy or enthusiasm She launched into the song as if she couldn't hold herself back. He launched into an attack on all the people who had laughed at his idea.