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come off — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb3 meanings
  1. 1 succeedTo happen as planned or to be successful.
  2. 2 become detachedTo become separated or removed from something.
  3. 3 give impressionTo appear or seem to have a particular quality, attitude, or emotion, especially in the way you are perceived by others.
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All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

succeed

B2come off sthMost common

To happen as planned or to be successful.

The event came off better than anyone expected.

A: How did your presentation go?
B: It actually came off really well, thanks!

I was nervous about organizing the school festival, but in the end, everything came off perfectly and everyone enjoyed it.

Common mistake

✗The surprise party came off good.

✓The surprise party came off well.

Use the adverb 'well' with 'come off', not 'good'.

Tell it apart

The surprise party came off perfectly.

succeeded as planned

The label came off in the wash.

became detached
Use 'come off' when talking about events, plans, or actions that succeed or go as expected.Not about physical separation; this sense is about results or outcomes.

Often paired with

come off + manner
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2

become detached

B1come off sth

To become separated or removed from something.

The handle came off the suitcase while I was running for the bus.

A: Why is your phone case on the floor?
B: It just came off when I picked up my bag.

During my trip, one of the wheels came off my luggage, so I had to carry it the rest of the way.

Common mistake

✗The handle came off from the door.

✓The handle came off the door.

'Come off' takes the thing directly — no 'from'.

Tell it apart

The label came off in the wash.

detached

The stain came out in the wash.

was removed
Use 'come off' when something is no longer attached, often by accident.This sense is about physical objects separating, not about success or results.

Often paired with

come off + surface
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3

give impression

C1come off sth adjective/nounspoken

To appear or seem to have a particular quality, attitude, or emotion, especially in the way you are perceived by others.

He can sometimes come off as arrogant, but he's actually very kind once you get to know him.

A: Did you like the new manager?
B: Honestly, she came off as a bit cold at first, but I think she was just nervous.

In interviews, candidates should be careful not to come off as overconfident, as this can negatively affect the interviewer's perception.

Common mistake

✗She comes off arrogant.

✓She comes off as arrogant.

You need 'as' + adjective — 'come off AS arrogant'.

Tell it apart

He comes off as cold, but he's not.

gives that impression — AmE

He comes across as cold, but he's not.

same idea — BrE preferred
'Come off (as)' is used to describe how someone appears to others, often unintentionally. It is neutral in register and common in both spoken and written English. Do not use it to mean 'become detached' or 'succeed'.Unlike the B1 sense ('become detached') and the B2 sense ('succeed'), this sense is figurative and relates to the impression someone gives, not to physical separation or success.

Often paired with

come off as
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succeedbecome detachedgive impression