Phrasal verb
clear off
Meanings
To leave a place, especially when told to go away.
To remove things from a surface or area so it becomes empty or tidy.
Definition
To leave a place quickly, often because you are told to go away.
“Clear off” means to go away from a place, usually quickly or immediately. It is often used as an order or strong request when someone wants another person to stop bothering them or to leave a private area. It can sound rude, so it is mainly used in informal speech.
Examples
- The security guard told the crowd to clear off from the entrance.
- I asked the kids to clear off because I needed some quiet.
- She waved her hand and said, “Clear off,” when the stranger kept following her.
- They cleared off the table after dinner and started the dishwasher.
Common mistake
Learners often use “clear off” in polite situations, but it can sound rude, so use “please leave” or “go away” in more formal contexts.
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.