field off
C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To push away or deal with something you don't want to answer or deal with.
Literal meaning: To send something off from the field.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
(Non-standard/rare) To deflect or deal with unwanted questions or approaches.
"The spokesperson tried to field off the most difficult questions from the journalists."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Not a widely attested standard phrasal verb. 'Field' alone is commonly used to mean handling questions ('field questions from the press'). 'Field off' may occasionally appear but is not recommended for learners. Use 'field' (without 'off') or 'fend off' instead.
Commonly used with
questions criticism reporters
Forms
Base
field off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fields off
he/she/it
Past simple
fielded off
yesterday
Past participle
fielded off
have + pp
-ing form
fielding off
continuous
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