We should call it "taking off" gear, you will land with or without it.
Takeoff is optional.
Landing is mandatory.
I’d rather be down here wishing I was up there, than be up there wishing I was down here. (I’ve been in both situations ...)
I like to remind the students getting their multi, which is usually the first time they are in retractable, that the plane will land without the gear, you just need it to take off again.