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bounce off

B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

When something hits a surface and springs back, or when you tell someone your idea to see what they think.

Literal meaning: To spring back after hitting a surface, just as a ball bounces off a wall.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

For an object to hit a surface and spring back in another direction.

"The ball bounced off the post and landed just outside the goal."

2 B1 idiomatic informal

To share an idea or plan with someone in order to get their opinion or feedback.

"Can I bounce a few ideas off you before I present them to the board?"

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

For criticism, insults, or negative comments to have no effect on someone.

"The insults just seemed to bounce off him — he never let them get to him."

Usage notes

The literal sense is used in physics, sports, and everyday description. The figurative sense ('bounce ideas off someone') is very common in professional and creative settings. Note: 'bounce off' someone vs. 'bounce off' a surface.

Commonly used with

wall surface ceiling ideas thoughts someone

Forms

Base
bounce off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bounces off
he/she/it
Past simple
bounced off
yesterday
Past participle
bounced off
have + pp
-ing form
bouncing off
continuous

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Synonyms

rebound off ricochet off deflect off reflect off run by sound out

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