Meaning trap
go off
react angrily
To suddenly become very angry and start shouting or expressing strong emotion, especially in a public or unexpected way.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To suddenly become very angry and start shouting or expressing strong emotion, especially in a public or unexpected way.
'go off' also has the more basic meaning 'alarm rings or bomb explodes'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
He really went off at the manager during the meeting when his project was criticised.
In high-pressure environments, some people may go off at colleagues, which can damage professional relationships.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: She went off with me for being late.
Say: She went off at me for being late.
'Go off AT someone' (BrE) / 'go off ON someone' (AmE) — not 'with'. ('Go off with' means run away with.)
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Go off (at someone)' vividly means erupt in anger. The formal version is bloodless. (AmE: 'go off on'.)
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
go off + at/on
- at me
- on him
- at the staff
- completely
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- go off (alarm rings or bomb explodes) — 'go off' also has the more basic meaning 'alarm rings or bomb explodes'; this is the advanced sense.