He tried to knock a dog off a gut wagon.

He can stink a buzzard off a gut wagon.

He tried to stink a skunk off a gut wagon.

He takes his eye off the ball when he gets distracted.

He has taken his eye off the ball.

He lost the game because he was taking his eye off the ball.

He took his eye off the ball and missed the catch.

After facing a major setback, she had to pick herself up off the floor and start over.

I finally took that secret off my chest and told my best friend.

I finally took off my chest and told her how I really felt.