Phrasal verb
go off
Meanings
(Of an alarm, phone, etc.) to start making a loud sound suddenly.
(Of a bomb, firework, or gun) to explode or fire.
(Of a person) to suddenly become very angry and start shouting or reacting strongly.
Definition
Go off means to start making a loud sound or to happen suddenly, often unexpectedly.
Go off is a common phrasal verb with a few everyday meanings. It often means that an alarm, phone, or bomb starts making a sound or explodes. It can also mean that an event happens or a plan takes place, sometimes suddenly. In informal speech, it can mean someone becomes suddenly very angry.
Examples
- My alarm went off at 6 a.m. and I jumped out of bed.
- Your phone keeps going off during the meeting.
- The fireworks went off right as the music started.
- He went off when his teammate blamed him for the mistake.
- They went off in the middle of dinner because the smoke detector was too sensitive.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "go off" (start ringing/explode) with "go out" (stop burning or leave home).
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.