buy off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Bribe someone to stop opposing you
Why “off”? Something is delayed, interrupted, reduced, or brought to an end.
“They bought him off.”
“The gang tried to buy off the guard.”
Don't confuse with
Buy off means bribe someone to stop opposing you. Buy in means purchase a stock of something for use later.
Test yourself
“They bought him off.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
buy in
A contrast learners often mix up
Purchase a stock of something for use later
back off
Same off pattern: stopping
Move away from someone or something, often in retreat; Stop pressuring or interfering with someone; Withdraw from a previous position or commitment
blow off
Same off pattern: stopping
Be removed by force, especially wind; Cancel plans or fail to meet someone deliberately; Release strong feelings, especially anger; Remove dust or particles by blowing air on them
break off
Same off pattern: stopping
Suddenly end a relationship, discussion, activity, or official contact; Detach a piece from something larger by breaking; Take a short pause from an activity
call off
Same off pattern: stopping
Cancel a planned event
check off
Same off pattern: stopping
Mark items on a list as done or counted
clear off
Same off pattern: stopping
Leave a place quickly, often when told to; Remove items from a surface; Pay a debt completely
come off
Same off pattern: stopping
Become detached from something; Happen successfully as planned; Stop taking a medicine or substance; Give a particular impression to others; Be withdrawn from sale or service
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