The term 'PUSHES OFF' can be broken down into five separate crossword solutions: STARTS (6 letters), REPELS (6 letters), GOES (4 letters), SETS (4 letters), and SETSSAIL (8 letters). The term 'PUSHES OFF' is often used to describe the act of beginning a journey, usually by boat. The first solution, STARTS, implies the beginning of a journey, while REPELS suggests pushing away from something, such as a dock or shore. GOES and SETS both imply movement, with GOES suggesting a general direction and SETS implying a specific destination. Finally, SETSSAIL is a phrase that is often used to describe the act of beginning a voyage, usually by boat.