carry off
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To succeed at doing something tricky, or to take something away by force.
Literal meaning: To physically carry something off and away.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To succeed in doing something difficult, especially with style or skill.
"She wore a very unusual outfit, but somehow she carried it off perfectly."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral
To take or remove something or someone by force.
"The thieves broke in and carried off several valuable paintings."
Grammar: separable
3 B2 neutral
To win a prize or award.
"The film carried off four major awards at the ceremony."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
The 'succeed' sense is the most common in modern usage. The 'death' sense is dated and literary. The literal sense of forcible removal is less frequent but clear.
Commonly used with
prize award performance joke look task
Forms
Base
carry off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
carries off
he/she/it
Past simple
carried off
yesterday
Past participle
carried off
have + pp
-ing form
carrying off
continuous
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