work off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Use energy or lose weight through physical activity
Why “off”? Something is delayed, interrupted, reduced, or brought to an end.
“He works off stress at the gym.”
“She worked off the extra cake with a run.”
Don't confuse with
Work off means use energy or lose weight through 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; Have a final cost or amount; 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
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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