Meaning trap
go off
react angrily
To suddenly become very angry and start shouting or expressing strong emotion, especially in a public or unexpected way.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To suddenly become very angry and start shouting or expressing strong emotion, especially in a public or unexpected way.
'go off' also has the more basic meaning 'alarm rings or bomb explodes'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- He really went off at the manager during the meeting when his project was criticised.emotions
- In high-pressure environments, some people may go off at colleagues, which can damage professional relationships.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: go off (at/on someone/about something)
WrongShe went off with me for being late.
RightShe went off at me for being late.
'Go off AT someone' (BrE) / 'go off ON someone' (AmE) — not 'with'. ('Go off with' means run away with.)
Patterngo off (at/on someone/about something)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Go off (at someone)' vividly means erupt in anger. The formal version is bloodless. (AmE: 'go off on'.)
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
go off + at/onat meon himat the staffcompletely
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B2 sense of 'leave suddenly', here 'go off' means to react emotionally, not physically leave. It is also different from the sense of an alarm or bomb making a noise.
Related
- go off (alarm rings or bomb explodes) — 'go off' also has the more basic meaning 'alarm rings or bomb explodes'; this is the advanced sense.