Phrasal verb
carry off
Meanings
to succeed in doing something difficult or in making something look good
to take someone or something away quickly, often by force or without permission
Definition
To carry off means to succeed in doing something difficult or to take something away by force or quickly.
Carry off most commonly means to do something successfully, especially when it seems hard to do well. It can also mean to take or remove someone or something, often suddenly or by force. The meaning depends on context: performance and style suggest “succeed,” while theft or removal suggests “take away.”
Examples
- I wasn’t sure I could carry off the speech, but it went smoothly.
- She can carry off bold colors without looking overdressed.
- They tried to carry off the painting while the guard was distracted.
- The storm carried off several roof tiles during the night.
Common mistake
Learners often use carry on instead of carry off when they mean “succeed in doing something” (e.g., “carry off the joke”).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.