work off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Get rid of energy or weight through physical activity
Why “off”? A continuous line is snipped. The activity stops.
“He works off stress at the gym.”
“She worked off the extra cake with a run.”
Don't confuse with
Work off means remove energy or weight by exercise. Work out means solve a problem or find an answer.
Test yourself
“He works off stress at the gym.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
work out
A contrast learners often mix up
Solve a problem or calculate an answer; Exercise to improve fitness; End in a particular way, often successfully; Plan or develop something carefully in detail; Cost or amount to a particular figure; Understand someone's motives or character
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
End a relationship, talk or activity suddenly; Detach a piece from something larger by breaking; End diplomatic, business or personal contact; 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 off a debt completely
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