hand off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Pass responsibility or a task to someone else
Why “off”? A piece detaches from the whole. Contact with the body is broken.
“He handed the project off.”
“Mira handed off the night shift.”
Don't confuse with
Hand off means give a task to someone else. Hand out means give things to several people.
Hand off means pass responsibility or a task to someone else. Hand on means pass something to the next person.
Hand off means pass responsibility or a task to someone else. Hand down means pass on knowledge.
Test yourself
“He handed the project off.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
hand down
A contrast learners often mix up
Pass on knowledge, possessions or traditions to younger people; (of a court) deliver a formal verdict or sentence
hand on
A contrast learners often mix up
Pass something to the next person
hand out
A contrast learners often mix up
Give something to several people; Give a punishment, advice or judgement
hand round
A contrast learners often mix up
Pass something from one person to another in a group
back off
Same off pattern: separation
Move away from someone or something, often in retreat; Stop pressuring or interfering with someone; Withdraw from a previous position or commitment
bite off
Same off pattern: separation
Remove a piece of something by biting it; Take on more than you can handle ("bite off more than you can chew"); Speak sharply and curtly
block off
Same off pattern: separation
Close off an area or route to prevent access; Reserve a period of time for a specific purpose
blow off
Same off pattern: separation
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
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