To leave or step out of a bus, train, plane, or other form of public transport.
I usually get off the bus at the next stop.
A: Is this where we get off? B: No, our stop is after the bridge.
When I travel to university, I get off the train at Central Station and walk the rest of the way.
Common mistake
✗I got off from the train at noon.
✓I got off the train at noon.
'Get off' takes the vehicle directly — no 'from'.
Tell it apart
Get off the bus at the church.
leave the bus
Get on the bus at the church.
board the bus
Use 'get off' when you leave a vehicle you can walk around in, like a bus, train, or plane. Use 'get out of' for cars or taxis.Do not confuse with 'get out of', which is used for cars and smaller vehicles.
To avoid being punished or to escape from a difficult situation without serious consequences.
He got off with just a warning after breaking the rule.
A: Did she really get off without a fine? B: Yeah, the police just let her go.
Some people think celebrities get off more easily when they break the law because they are famous.
Common mistake
✗He got off from the charges.
✓He got off the charges. / got off lightly.
'Get off' takes the charge directly, or 'get off + lightly/with X'.
Tell it apart
He got off with a fine.
escaped worse punishment
He got off the bus at the corner.
left the bus
You can say someone 'got off lightly' if their punishment was not as bad as expected.'Get away with' is similar but more general; 'get off' often refers to legal or official situations.
To experience strong enjoyment, excitement, or satisfaction from something, often used informally and sometimes with a mildly sexual or taboo connotation.
Some people really get off on taking risks, even when there's a lot at stake.
A: Why does he keep arguing with everyone online? B: Honestly, I think he just gets off on provoking people.
While some individuals get off on the thrill of extreme sports, others prefer more conventional hobbies for relaxation.
Common mistake
✗She gets off with bossing people around.
✓She gets off on bossing people around.
For getting a thrill from something, it's 'get off ON' — 'get off with' is a different (BrE) sense.
Tell it apart
He gets off on the drama.
gets a thrill from it — disapproving
He gets a kick out of the drama.
just enjoys it — milder
'Get off on' is informal and sometimes carries a slightly provocative or taboo tone, especially when referring to excitement about something unusual, risky, or controversial. Avoid using it in formal writing or professional contexts.Unlike the B-level senses (leaving transport, finishing work, or avoiding punishment), this sense is figurative and focuses on deriving pleasure or excitement, not physical movement or legal outcomes.