Meaning trap
get off
avoid punishment or escape a difficult situation
To avoid being punished or to escape from a difficult situation without serious consequences.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To avoid being punished or to escape from a difficult situation without serious consequences.
Another meaning of 'get off' is 'leave a bus, train, plane, etc.'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- He got off with just a warning after breaking the rule.law
- Some people think celebrities get off more easily when they break the law because they are famous.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: get off (with [punishment])
WrongHe got off from the charges.
RightHe got off the charges. / got off lightly.
'Get off' takes the charge directly, or 'get off + lightly/with X'.
Patternget off (with [punishment])
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Get off' is the natural verb for escaping serious punishment; 'acquitted and received no penalty' is legal language.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
get off (lightly/with)lightlywith a warningscot-freethe charge
Don't confuse it
'Get away with' is similar but more general; 'get off' often refers to legal or official situations.
Related
- get off (leave a bus, train, plane, etc.) — Another meaning of 'get off' is 'leave a bus, train, plane, etc.'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.