clean off
A2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To get rid of the dirty stuff on top of something.
Literal meaning: To clean something so the dirt comes off.
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
To remove dirt, marks, or a substance from a surface.
"Can you clean the mud off your boots before you come inside?"
Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral
To clear a surface of everything on it so it is empty and clean.
"Please clean off the whiteboard before the next class starts."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Everyday, neutral phrasal verb used in all varieties of English. Works for both the substance being removed ('clean the mud off') and the surface being cleaned ('clean off the table').
Commonly used with
mud stain grease dirt table shoes board
Forms
Base
clean off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cleans off
he/she/it
Past simple
cleaned off
yesterday
Past participle
cleaned off
have + pp
-ing form
cleaning off
continuous
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