cool off
phrasal verb·3 senses·particle off
Meanings
Become less hot or heated
Why “off”? Something is delayed, interrupted, reduced, or brought to an end.
“Let the soup cool off before serving.”
“The engine needs to cool off.”
Become calmer after being angry or excited
“Give him time to cool off.”
“Let Anna cool off before you call.”
Become less enthusiastic or interested
“The market has cooled off.”
“Interest in the game cooled off.”
“Their friendship has cooled off lately.”
Don't confuse with
Cool off means become less hot or heated. Cool down means become or make less hot.
Test yourself
“Let the soup cool off before serving.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
cool down
A contrast learners often mix up
Become or make less hot; Become calmer after anger or excitement; Do gentle exercise after a hard workout
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
buy off
Same off pattern: stopping
Bribe someone to stop opposing you
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
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