Phrasal verb
come off
Come off means to succeed or happen as planned, especially for an event or plan.
Meanings
to succeed or happen as planned
to become separated from a surface (often by accident)
to stop or remove something from a surface or device
Definition
If something comes off, it succeeds or happens the way you intended. It is often used for plans, events, deals, or performances. It suggests there was some doubt, effort, or risk before the success.
Examples
- The surprise party finally came off, even though it took weeks of planning.
- My phone case came off when I dropped it on the sidewalk.
- Please come off the ladder carefully and hold the rail.
- Their first live show came off better than they expected.
Common mistake
Learners often use "come out" instead of "come off" when they mean a plan or event succeeds.
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.