wɜːrk ɒf
- Base verb:
- work
- Particle:
- off
- Separable:
- Yes
What does "work off" mean?
- To get rid of something unwanted by working or exercising
- To repay a debt through work rather than money
- To release energy or emotions through physical activity
Examples
- I need to work off that big dinner with a long walk.
- He's working off his student debt by teaching.
- She went for a run to work off her frustration.
- They're working off their community service hours.
- I usually work off my stress at the gym.
How to use it
Very common for weight loss and stress relief. 'Work off' calories/pounds/dinner are typical collocations. Also used for paying debts through labour instead of money.
Word order
Object can go between: 'work the calories off' or after: 'work off the calories'. Common with abstract objects like stress, debt, calories.
Similar expressions
Opposites
Related phrasal verbs
- work out
To exercise to improve fitness
- work on
To spend time and effort trying to improve or complete something
- work up
To develop or create something gradually
- work through
To deal with a problem or difficult situation by discussing or thinking about it
- turn off
To stop a device or appliance by pressing a switch or button
- get off
To leave a bus, train, plane, or other public transport
Use it in a practice answer
Try "work off" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.