heytardy
Log inGet started

come off — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
come off
1succeed2become detached3give impression

Meaning 1 · most common

succeed

  • come off sth

To happen as planned or to be successful.

How oftenNow and then
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The event came off better than anyone expected.

A: How did your presentation go?
B: It actually came off really well, thanks!

Common mistake

Not: The surprise party came off good.

Say: The surprise party came off well.

Use the adverb 'well' with 'come off', not 'good'.

More on “succeed”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

I was nervous about organizing the school festival, but in the end, everything came off perfectly and everyone enjoyed it.

Tell it apart

The surprise party came off perfectly.

  • succeeded as planned

The label came off in the wash.

  • became detached

Goes with

  • come off + manner
Practice saying this
Next meaning: become detached

Meaning 2

become detached

  • come off sth

To become separated or removed from something.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The handle came off the suitcase while I was running for the bus.

A: Why is your phone case on the floor?
B: It just came off when I picked up my bag.

Common mistake

Not: The handle came off from the door.

Say: The handle came off the door.

'Come off' takes the thing directly — no 'from'.

More on “become detached”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During my trip, one of the wheels came off my luggage, so I had to carry it the rest of the way.

Tell it apart

The label came off in the wash.

  • detached

The stain came out in the wash.

  • was removed

Goes with

  • come off + surface
Practice saying this
Next meaning: give impression

Meaning 3

give impression

  • come off sth adjective/noun

To appear or seem to have a particular quality, attitude, or emotion, especially in the way you are perceived by others.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

He can sometimes come off as arrogant, but he's actually very kind once you get to know him.

A: Did you like the new manager?
B: Honestly, she came off as a bit cold at first, but I think she was just nervous.

Common mistake

Not: She comes off arrogant.

Say: She comes off as arrogant.

You need 'as' + adjective — 'come off AS arrogant'.

More on “give impression”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In interviews, candidates should be careful not to come off as overconfident, as this can negatively affect the interviewer's perception.

Tell it apart

He comes off as cold, but he's not.

  • gives that impression — AmE

He comes across as cold, but he's not.

  • same idea — BrE preferred

Goes with

  • come off as
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which one is it?
Spot the meaning

Which one is it?

Read the sentence, then pick the meaning that's in play.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick a meaning and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

succeedbecome detachedgive impression