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ease off

B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To slow down, relax, or become less strong or hard.

Literal meaning: To ease (reduce pressure) so that something slides off — as in easing a tight lid off a jar.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

(Of something unpleasant or intense) to become less strong or severe.

"The storm eased off by mid-afternoon, so we were able to go for a walk."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To reduce the pressure, effort, or demands that you are placing on someone or something.

"The coach told the team to ease off during training so they'd be fresh for the match on Saturday."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 neutral

To remove something gently by reducing pressure or grip.

"He carefully eased the tight lid off the old jar."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common in everyday speech. Can describe weather, pain, traffic, or a person's behaviour. When transitive (ease off on something), it means to apply less pressure or reduce the amount of something. Common in British and American English alike.

Commonly used with

pressure rain pain traffic tension workload

Forms

Base
ease off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
eases off
he/she/it
Past simple
eased off
yesterday
Past participle
eased off
have + pp
-ing form
easing off
continuous

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