Phrasal verb
clean off
To remove dirt or unwanted material from something by washing or wiping it.
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
"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.