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Meaning trap

come off

succeed

To happen as planned or to be successful.

phrasal verbB2occasional

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

succeed

To happen as planned or to be successful.

come off (become detached)

Another meaning of 'come off' is 'become detached'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The event came off better than anyone expected.work
  • I was nervous about organizing the school festival, but in the end, everything came off perfectly and everyone enjoyed it.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: come off (well/badly/as planned)

WrongThe surprise party came off good.

RightThe surprise party came off well.

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

Patterncome off (well/badly/as planned)

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I hope our plan will be successful.

Natural I hope the plan comes off.

For a scheme working out as intended, natives say it 'comes off'; 'will be successful' is flatter and more formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • come off + manner
    wellas plannedbrilliantlyperfectly

Don't confuse it

Not about physical separation; this sense is about results or outcomes.

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