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get off with

B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To not be punished much, or to start kissing or being romantic with someone.

Literal meaning: To descend from something together with someone — the idiomatic senses diverge significantly from this.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To receive a surprisingly light or lenient punishment.

"She expected to lose her licence, but she got off with just a small fine."

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

(British informal) To begin a romantic or sexual relationship or encounter with someone.

"He got off with her at the office party and they've been together ever since."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The romantic/sexual sense is distinctly British slang and may not be understood in North American English. The legal sense ('got off with a warning') is used on both sides of the Atlantic.

Commonly used with

warning fine caution someone at a party a light sentence probation

Forms

Base
get off with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets off with
he/she/it
Past simple
got off with
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten off with
have + pp
-ing form
getting off with
continuous

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Synonyms

escape with avoid punishment hook up with snog receive only get away with

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