pair off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Form pairs, especially as couples
Why “off”? A piece detaches from the whole. Contact with the body is broken.
“Guests paired off for the dance.”
“By midnight, most guests had paired off.”
Don't confuse with
Pair off means form pairs, especially as couples. Pair up means form a pair with someone for an activity.
Test yourself
“Guests paired off for the dance.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
pair up
A contrast learners often mix up
Form a pair with someone for an activity
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; Accept more work or responsibility than you can manage ("bite off more than you can chew"); Speak sharply and curtly
block off
Same off pattern: separation
Block access to an area or route; 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
break off
Same off pattern: separation
Suddenly end a relationship, discussion, activity, or official contact; Detach a piece from something larger by breaking; Take a short pause from an activity
brush off
Same off pattern: separation
Dismiss something or someone as unimportant; Remove dust or dirt by sweeping it lightly; Refuse to talk to someone politely
chip off
Same off pattern: separation
Break a small piece from something
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