Phrasal verb
clean off
Meanings
To remove dirt, mud, food, or another substance from a surface by washing, wiping, or brushing.
To make yourself clean by removing dirt or sweat from your body, often after an activity.
Definition
To remove dirt or unwanted material from something by washing or wiping it.
"Clean off" means to make a surface clean by taking off dirt, mud, spills, or other unwanted stuff. You can do it with water, soap, a cloth, or by brushing. It often focuses on removing what is on the outside rather than cleaning the whole object deeply.
Examples
- I need to clean off the counter before I start cooking.
- You should clean off your shoes before you come inside.
- He cleaned off the paint splatters from his hands with a wet cloth.
- She cleaned off the patio table after the storm.
- They cleaned off the bike chain and then went for a ride.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "clean off" with "clean up" and say "clean off the room" instead of "clean up the room."
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.