ɒf ðə kʌf
Work
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- From information written on one's shirt cuff
What does "off the cuff" mean?
- Without preparation; spontaneously
- Improvised rather than planned
Examples
- I'll have to answer that off the cuff.
- His off-the-cuff remarks were quite funny.
- She gave an impressive off-the-cuff speech.
Origin
From the practice of speakers writing notes on their shirt cuffs for quick reference. 'Off the cuff' means speaking without even those notes.
How to use it
Can describe speech, responses, or decisions made without preparation.
Similar expressions
improvised
spontaneous
ad-lib
unrehearsed
Opposites
prepared
rehearsed
planned
Related idioms
- hit the nail on the head
To describe exactly what is true or important
- call it a day
To stop working for the day
- have one's hands full
To be very busy with something
- learn the ropes
To learn the basics of a job or activity
- it's not rocket science
It's not difficult to understand or do
- get your act together
To organize yourself and start behaving more responsibly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "off the cuff" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.