off
off — verb
1. to take the life of a person on purpose, usually as part of a violent or crimina
to take the life of a person on purpose, usually as part of a violent or criminal act.
In the final scene, the masked villain offs the detective with a single shot.
off + somebody for killing in a story
The gang offed two rival members behind an old warehouse near the docks.
transitive: off + person object
Detective Ramos believed the boss had ordered someone to off the witness before the trial.
Marcus joked that his brother would off him if the secret ever got out.
Two characters get offed in the very first chapter of the novel.
文法句型
off + somebody
用法筆記
Strongly informal and slang; common in crime fiction, films, and casual speech but inappropriate in formal or news writing. Object is almost always a person, and the killing is usually deliberate.
常見錯誤
off — noun
1. the moment when a person or vehicle sets out and leaves a place, often used to t
the moment when a person or vehicle sets out and leaves a place, often used to talk about beginning a journey.
Sophie waved from the door as the coach made its off toward London.
preceded by 'the'; refers to a departure moment
The taxi driver checked the map one last time before the off.
fixed pattern: 'before the off'
Grandpa hugged each child tightly just before the off to the airport.
Ready for the off, Marcus loaded his suitcase into the boot.
- arrival
the moment of reaching a place rather than leaving one
文法句型
the off
用法筆記
Almost always appears as 'the off' with a definite article. Common in British English in phrases like 'ready for the off' or 'before the off'.
常見錯誤
2. the very start of a race, game, or activity, especially used in the phrase 'from
the very start of a race, game, or activity, especially used in the phrase 'from the off' to mean right from the moment something begins.
Lina took the lead from the off and never let any rival catch her.
fixed phrase: 'from the off' = from the very start
The horses were nervous and one bolted just before the off.
racing context: 'before the off' = before the starting signal
From the off, the new manager pushed his players to train harder each day.
Diego struggled with the language from the off but improved by the second month.
- finish
the closing moment rather than the opening one
文法句型
from the off
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense centres on the starting point of a contest or activity, while sense 1 centres on physical leaving. Most common in 'from the off'.
常見錯誤
3. in the sport of cricket, the half of the playing area that lies in front of the
in the sport of cricket, the half of the playing area that lies in front of the batter as they stand ready to hit the ball; the side opposite the leg side.
The young batter drove the ball cleanly through the off for a boundary.
collocation: 'through the off'
Captain Patel placed two fielders deep on the off to stop easy runs.
collocation: 'on the off'
Most of his shots that afternoon went to the off rather than the leg side.
The bowler aimed each delivery just outside the off to tempt a wild swing.
- off side
fuller form of the same cricket term; interchangeable in match commentary
文法句型
on the off
用法筆記
Cricket-specific term, almost always uncountable and used with 'the'. The mirror-image side is called the 'leg' or 'leg side'. The exact location flips depending on whether the batter is right- or left-handed.
常見錯誤
off — adjective
1. used after a verb to say that a planned meeting, match, party, or similar event
used after a verb to say that a planned meeting, match, party, or similar event will no longer take place because someone has decided to cancel it.
Élise told the guests that the wedding was off because the bride had changed her mind.
predicative: be off after a verb of communication
The football match between the two schools is off after heavy snow buried the pitch.
subject = an arranged event (match)
Linda phoned at lunchtime to tell me that our trip to Kyoto was off.
The deal between the two companies was suddenly off after the boss refused to sign.
If the rain keeps falling, the village fair on Saturday will be off.
- cancelled
more formal and used in writing; 'off' is the spoken everyday word
- called off
verb phrase that describes the action; 'off' as adjective describes the resulting state
- on
the natural opposite — 'the wedding is on' means it will go ahead as planned
文法句型
be off
the [event] is off
用法筆記
Subject is almost always a planned event (wedding, match, deal, party, trip). Used predicatively after 'be' or verbs of reporting like 'tell' or 'say'; never placed before a noun.
常見錯誤
2. used after words like 'well', 'badly', 'better', or 'worse' to describe how much
used after words like 'well', 'badly', 'better', or 'worse' to describe how much money someone has, or how good their general situation is compared with other people.
The Patel family is quite well off and owns a large house near the lake.
well off = having plenty of money
Many older people are badly off because their pensions barely cover the rent.
badly off = short of money
Carla felt she was better off after she moved to a smaller flat in the suburbs.
Workers will be worse off if the new tax law passes next year.
How well off are the farmers in this valley compared with those by the coast?
- well off / badly off
the two ends form their own internal opposition within this sense
文法句型
be well off
be badly off
be better off
be worse off
用法筆記
Always preceded by an adverb of degree like 'well', 'badly', 'better', 'worse', or 'how'. Without that adverb the meaning collapses, so this sense never appears bare. Distinguish from sense 1 (cancelled) by checking for that adverbial pair.
常見錯誤
3. less good than the level you usually reach or than what people expect — used abo
less good than the level you usually reach or than what people expect — used about a player's performance, a singer's voice, sales figures, or a person's general form on a particular day.
The goalkeeper was clearly off during Sunday's match and let in three easy shots.
subject = performer; predicative
Sales at the bakery have been off all winter, and the owner is worried about closing.
subject = numbers / sales
Maya's serve was a little off in the third set, so she lost two break points.
The pianist admitted that his timing felt off during the quiet middle section.
Attendance figures at the museum were noticeably off after the ticket price went up.
- on form
performing at one's best — the natural opposite for a player or singer
文法句型
be off
[performance] is off
用法筆記
Subject is typically a performance, a skill, a number, or the person displaying that skill. Often softened with 'a bit', 'a little', or 'slightly'. Distinguish from sense 1 (cancelled): here the activity still happens, it just goes worse than usual.
常見錯誤
4. no longer safe or pleasant for someone to swallow, because the item has been kep
no longer safe or pleasant for someone to swallow, because the item has been kept too long and has started to smell, taste, or look wrong.
Throw out that milk — it has been in the fridge for two weeks and is definitely off.
predicative: be off; food subject
The chicken smelled off the moment Hana opened the packet, so she binned it.
collocation: smell off
The yogurt tastes a bit off, but the date on the lid says it is still fine.
We poured the wine down the sink because it was clearly off after the long flight.
If the eggs are off, you will know the second you crack one into the bowl.
- fresh
the everyday opposite for food and drink
文法句型
go off
be off
smell off
taste off
用法筆記
Subject must be food or drink. Frequently paired with sensory verbs like 'smell', 'taste', or 'look' as a copular complement. The phrase 'go off' is the dynamic version meaning the food turns bad over time.
常見錯誤
5. used about a dish on a restaurant menu when the kitchen has run out of it, so cu
used about a dish on a restaurant menu when the kitchen has run out of it, so customers cannot order it for the rest of that day.
The waiter apologised and explained that the lamb stew was off this evening.
predicative; subject = menu dish
Sorry, the seafood pasta is off — would you like to choose something else from the menu?
spoken pattern in a restaurant
Two of the desserts were already off by the time Daniel arrived for dinner at nine.
Whenever the fresh tuna sells out, the chef writes a note saying that the dish is off.
I was looking forward to the duck, but the waitress said it was off tonight.
- sold out
very close; works in shops too, while 'off' in this sense lives mainly in restaurants
- unavailable
more formal and broader; restaurants prefer the short word 'off'
- available
general opposite; in a restaurant context 'on' is sometimes used informally
文法句型
be off
the [dish] is off
用法筆記
Subject is the name of a dish or menu item, not the restaurant or the customer. Distinguish from sense 4 (gone bad): sense 5 means the kitchen has none left, while sense 4 means the food itself is spoiled.
常見錯誤
6. behaving in a cold or unfriendly way that ignores how other people might feel —
behaving in a cold or unfriendly way that ignores how other people might feel — often used by British speakers about a remark or action that crosses the line of politeness.
The shop assistant was really off with Grandma when she asked for a refund on the kettle.
pattern: be off with someone
Cancelling the dinner by text two hours before was a bit off, in Olivia's opinion.
collocation: a bit off (about behaviour)
Tom thought it was off of his neighbour to play loud music at three in the morning.
Laughing at her accent in the meeting was off and several colleagues complained.
Don't you think it was a little off to leave the party without thanking the host?
- rude
stronger and more direct; 'off' is gentler British understatement
- unfriendly
close in tone; 'off' adds a sense that a polite line was crossed
- polite
natural opposite, especially in British social use
文法句型
be off with someone
[behaviour] is a bit off
用法筆記
Mainly British informal English. Often softened with 'a bit', 'a little', or 'rather'. Subject can be a person ('he was off with me') or a piece of behaviour ('that comment was off'). Distinguish from senses 4 and 5, which need a food subject.
常見錯誤
off — abbreviation
1. a written short form of the words 'office', 'officer', or 'official', used mainl
a written short form of the words 'office', 'officer', or 'official', used mainly in directories, military lists, name plates, and government records to save space.
The directory listed Captain Singh as 'Comm. Off.' next to his unit number.
abbreviation in a military directory entry
Maya saw 'Post Off.' printed above the door of the small village building.
abbreviation on a building sign
Each name plate in the corridor showed a title shortened to 'Off.' for space.
The school staff list wrote 'Att. Off.' beside Mr. Chen, the attendance officer.
用法筆記
Almost always written, not spoken. Readers must rely on context (directory, sign, government list) to decide whether 'Off.' stands for 'office', 'officer', or 'official'.
常見錯誤
off — adverb
1. moving or located some distance from a place, person, or moment in time, typical
moving or located some distance from a place, person, or moment in time, typically leaving where you are now.
Marcus waved goodbye and ran off down the street to catch the bus.
verb + off + direction phrase
The Watanabe family is off to Kyoto next weekend for a short holiday.
be + off + to + destination
Lina drove off before her sister could finish saying goodbye.
The exam is still three weeks off, so there is plenty of time to study.
Carlos hurried off to the station after he heard the siren.
文法句型
verb + off
off + to + place
用法筆記
Often follows verbs of motion (run, drive, walk, hurry, set). With a time noun, the meaning shifts to 'in the future': 'two days off', 'a month off'.
常見錯誤
2. describing the action of taking one thing away from the surface of another, or o
describing the action of taking one thing away from the surface of another, or of one thing coming loose from another.
Maya wiped the dust off with a damp cloth before painting the shelf.
wipe + off (clean by removal)
Please take your shoes off before you walk on the new carpet.
take + [clothing] + off
A button fell off Marcus's coat while he was running for the train.
The old paint was peeling off the wooden window frame in long strips.
Lina pulled the price tag off the new shirt and put it in the drawer.
- away
for separation, but less natural with clothing or labels
- on
the opposite for clothing and surfaces ('put it on' / 'take it off')
文法句型
verb + off
take/pull/wipe + something + off
用法筆記
Pairs with verbs like take, pull, wipe, peel, fall, come, scrape. The thing removed is the object; the surface it leaves is often introduced by a following 'off [the surface]' (sense overlaps with the preposition use).
常見錯誤
3. describing a machine, light, tap, or similar device that has been switched so th
describing a machine, light, tap, or similar device that has been switched so that it stops working or producing power.
Carlos turned the lights off before leaving the office for the night.
turn + something + off
The heating goes off automatically at eleven every night to save energy.
go + off (= stop running)
Dr. Tanaka asked the children to switch their phones off during the lesson.
The tap was still off, so no water came out when Maya tried the sink.
Please make sure the oven is off before you leave the kitchen.
- out
used for fires and lights ('the fire is out'), not machines
- on
the standard opposite for devices, lights, and taps
文法句型
be + off
turn/switch + something + off
用法筆記
Often paired with 'turn / switch / shut'. Note: 'go off' in this sense means 'stop running'; with alarms or bombs it means 'start ringing' or 'explode' — context decides which.
常見錯誤
4. by an amount that is subtracted from what something normally costs, making it ch
by an amount that is subtracted from what something normally costs, making it cheaper than the usual price.
The bookshop is offering twenty percent off all hardback novels this week.
[percent] + off + [item]
Lina got five dollars off the jacket because of a small mark on the sleeve.
get + [amount] + off + [item]
With this coupon you can take three euros off your next coffee order.
The shop took ten pounds off the printer because it was the last one in stock.
Members of the gym get fifteen percent off all classes booked online.
- discount
noun, used differently: 'a 20% discount' = '20% off'
文法句型
[amount] + off
[percent] + off
用法筆記
The amount comes before 'off' (10% off, $5 off), and the item or total comes after 'off'. Common with verbs 'get', 'take', 'have', and on signs in shops.
常見錯誤
5. during a period when you are not doing your job, usually because you are sick, o
during a period when you are not doing your job, usually because you are sick, on holiday, or simply not scheduled.
Marcus has Friday off this week so he can drive his mother to the hospital.
have + [day] + off
Maya is taking two weeks off in August to visit her grandparents in Taipei.
take + [time] + off
Dr. Tanaka was off yesterday because she had a bad cold.
Most teachers get the whole summer off, but they often plan lessons at home.
Carlos asked his boss for the afternoon off to attend his daughter's school play.
- away
softer; can also mean physically not present (travelling)
- on
informal: 'I'm on tomorrow' = scheduled to work
文法句型
have + [time] + off
take + [time] + off
be + off
用法筆記
Pattern: '[time period] + off'. Often used with 'have', 'take', 'get', 'be'. The time can be a day, week, afternoon, or longer holiday.
常見錯誤
6. in a way that divides one part from another or keeps something apart, often usin
in a way that divides one part from another or keeps something apart, often using a wall, rope, line, or barrier.
The police roped off the corner where the accident happened so traffic could pass.
rope + off + area
A low wooden fence sections off the children's play area from the main garden.
section + off + area
Maya cut a small piece off the cake and gave it to her younger brother.
The gardener marked off a square of soil where the new tomatoes would grow.
Workers walled off the back room while they painted the rest of the cafe.
- apart
describes the result; 'off' describes the action of separating
文法句型
verb + off
block/wall/fence + off
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (REMOVED): sense 2 means a thing comes away from a surface; sense 6 means a region or piece is set apart from a larger whole, usually as a deliberate division. Common with rope, fence, wall, mark, cut, section, block.
常見錯誤
7. to the point where nothing is left, because every bit has been used, eaten, sold
to the point where nothing is left, because every bit has been used, eaten, sold, or because every living thing has died.
The hungry kids polished off three large pizzas in under twenty minutes.
polish + off: finish food completely
A long drought killed off most of the apple trees in Grandpa's orchard.
kill + off: wipe out a population entirely
Maya finally paid off her student loan after eight years of saving.
The bakery sold off the last six loaves at half price before closing.
Cold winters had wiped off the small fishing village by the year 1850.
文法句型
verb + off (resultative, often after kill, finish, eat, drink, sell, pay)
用法筆記
Almost always glued to a verb (polish off, finish off, kill off, pay off, sell off) rather than standing alone. Distinguish from sense 6 (SEPARATED): here the object is consumed or eliminated, not detached.
常見錯誤
8. in a way that pushes something unwanted away from yourself — a worry, a cold, a
in a way that pushes something unwanted away from yourself — a worry, a cold, a habit, or even an old item — so it no longer affects you.
Lina shook off the bad mood by going for a long walk in the park.
shake + off: rid yourself of a feeling
Marcus tried to sleep off his headache before the evening meeting.
sleep + off: get rid of an ailment by sleeping
The runner could not throw off the cough she had picked up in March.
After the divorce, Aunt Rosa cast off her old wedding photos and started fresh.
A hot shower helped Carlos work off the stress of the long shift.
- away
'away' as in 'wish away', 'walk away from' — also signals removal, but 'off' implies the thing was clinging to you.
文法句型
verb + off + object (e.g. throw off, shake off, cast off, sleep off)
用法筆記
Subject is the person bothered by the unwanted thing; object is the thing being shed (a feeling, illness, debt-like burden, or possession). Distinguish from sense 7: sense 7 finishes things by using them up, while sense 8 pushes things away because they bother you.
常見錯誤
9. tacked onto an everyday activity verb to spontaneously coin the name of a one-of
tacked onto an everyday activity verb to spontaneously coin the name of a one-off, informal showdown between specific rivals — usually playful and invented on the spot, like a sing-off between two friends or a rap-off at a party.
The two food bloggers settled their argument with a noodle-off at Saturday's street fair.
ad-hoc coinage: noodle-off invented for one occasion
Maya and her cousin staged a sing-off in the kitchen after their grandmother dared them.
playful nonce-form: sing-off between named rivals
Carlos and Daniel turned a quiet evening into a chess-off that lasted past midnight.
Whenever Lina visits, she and her uncle have a karaoke-off in the living room.
The two cousins ended every family party with a rap-off near the speakers.
文法句型
noun + -off (e.g. cook-off, dance-off, bake-off, run-off)
用法筆記
Productive nonce-suffix attached to a fresh activity verb to coin a one-time, informal contest between named rivals (sing-off, rap-off, karaoke-off, noodle-off). Distinguish from noun combining form/1, which covers the small set of fully established, dictionary-listed -off nouns (play-off, run-off, face-off, tip-off). Use this sense when the formation is invented on the spot for a specific occasion rather than referring to a standard event.
常見錯誤
off — noun combining form
1. the second piece of a small set of standard, dictionary-listed compound nouns th
the second piece of a small set of standard, dictionary-listed compound nouns that name a recognised type of organised contest — for example, a play-off in sports, a run-off in elections, a face-off in ice hockey, or a tip-off at the start of a basketball game.
The Lakers reached the play-offs after winning their final two regular-season games.
lexicalized compound: play-off as standard sports term
Neither candidate won a majority, so the state scheduled a run-off for next month.
lexicalized compound: run-off as standard election term
The referee dropped the puck for the face-off at centre ice.
Marcus glanced at the clock just as the tip-off began at the basketball arena.
The newspaper ran a long preview of Sunday's stand-off between the two top teams.
- contest
general noun for any competition; '-off' compounds are a specific type
- showdown
informal; emphasises a final, decisive clash between rivals
- tie-breaker
narrower — only the extra round used to settle a draw
文法句型
[noun/verb] + -off
用法筆記
Use this sense for the established, dictionary-entry compound nouns — play-off, run-off, face-off, tip-off, stand-off. These are fixed terminology in sports, politics, or military contexts and are not invented on the spot. Distinguish from adverb/9, which covers fresh, playful, one-off coinages (sing-off, rap-off, karaoke-off) made up for a specific occasion. If the compound appears as a headword in a standard dictionary, it belongs here.
常見錯誤
off — preposition
1. leaving the surface, vehicle, road, or location that something or someone was on
leaving the surface, vehicle, road, or location that something or someone was on, in, or at.
Maya stepped off the train and waved at her grandmother on the platform.
step off + vehicle
The cat jumped off the kitchen counter when Marcus opened a tin of tuna.
jump off + surface
Please keep off the grass while the gardeners are planting new flowers.
The lorry skidded off the motorway during the heavy snowstorm last night.
Lina took two days off school after her piano exam in March.
文法句型
off + noun (place / surface / vehicle)
用法筆記
Subject is usually a person, vehicle, or object that was previously on or attached to something physical. Distinguish from sense 2: sense 1 emphasises the location someone leaves, while sense 2 emphasises the action of removing.
常見錯誤
2. showing the source from which something is taken, removed, bought, or stolen — t
showing the source from which something is taken, removed, bought, or stolen — that is, the person, place, or thing it was attached to or belonged to.
Carlos cut a small branch off the apple tree for his school project.
cut + thing + off + source
I bought this leather jacket off a friend at the night market last Saturday.
buy + thing + off + person (informal)
The waiter wiped the spilled juice off Mei-ling's blue silk dress.
Someone had stolen the wheels off Daniel's bicycle outside the library.
Grandma peeled the skin off the mango before slicing it into the salad.
- from
more formal; preferred in writing for 'borrow / buy / receive from someone'
- onto
the opposite direction of attachment
文法句型
take/buy/borrow + something + off + person/place
用法筆記
Often replaces 'from' in spoken English when the source is a person you got something from ('I borrowed this off my brother'). In writing, 'from' is safer. Distinguish from sense 1: here the focus is on what is removed, not on who or what is moving.
常見錯誤
3. no longer wanting, eating, drinking, or using something that you used to enjoy o
no longer wanting, eating, drinking, or using something that you used to enjoy or depend on, often because you have lost interest, feel ill, or are trying to stop.
Aunt Rosa has been off coffee for three weeks because of her stomach problems.
be off + food/drink (after illness)
Marcus is finally off cigarettes after smoking a pack a day for ten years.
be off + addictive substance
The toddler has gone off broccoli ever since he tried it at nursery.
I think Sophie is off her ex-boyfriend now that she has met someone kinder.
The doctor said Grandpa should stay off salty food until his blood pressure drops.
文法句型
be off + noun (food / drug / activity)
go off + noun
用法筆記
Mostly used after 'be', 'go', 'stay', or 'come'. Object is something previously consumed, taken, or liked — food, drink, drugs, or sometimes a person. Common in British English; American speakers often say 'off of' or 'not into' instead.
常見錯誤
4. very close to but not exactly on a road, coast, or main area — usually a short d
very close to but not exactly on a road, coast, or main area — usually a short distance to one side of it.
Their tiny bakery sits just off the main square in the old town.
just off + landmark
The fishing village lies a few kilometres off the southern coast of Taiwan.
off + coast (small distance from)
Dr. Tanaka's clinic is on a quiet lane right off Zhongshan Road.
Sailors spotted three small islands off the eastern shore at dawn.
Grandpa's farmhouse is set back off the highway, hidden behind tall pine trees.
- on
directly on the road or main line itself
文法句型
just/right off + place noun
用法筆記
Often paired with 'just', 'right', or a measurement ('two miles off'). Works best with roads, coasts, squares, or other linear or large-area landmarks. Don't use for small objects or rooms.