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come off

B1 neutral intransitive both
In simple words

to come away, happen well, or seem in a certain way

Literal meaning: to move away from the surface of something

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

to become detached from something

"One of the handles came off the suitcase."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

to happen successfully or as planned

"The festival came off despite the rain."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

to make a particular impression on others

"He came off as rude, although he was just nervous."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Common in both literal and figurative uses. It is frequent in spoken English and can also describe how words or behavior are received.

Commonly used with

lid button show plan joke speech

Forms

Base
come off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes off
he/she/it
Past simple
came off
yesterday
Past participle
come off
have + pp
-ing form
coming off
continuous

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Synonyms

detach come loose succeed turn out seem appear

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