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hit off

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To copy how someone talks or acts in a funny way, OR to really like someone the first time you meet them.

Literal meaning: To strike something away from a surface — the idiomatic leap to 'mimic' or 'get along' is not transparent.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To imitate or mimic someone, especially in a humorous or satirical way.

"The comedian really hit off the prime minister's pompous speaking style."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

(hit it off) To immediately like someone and get along well with them from the first meeting.

"We hit it off straight away at the conference and have been friends ever since."

"We just hit it off immediately."

— Paul McCartney, on first meeting John Lennon, various interviews
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The sense 'to mimic' is more common in British English. The phrase 'hit it off' (always with 'it') is the dominant usage in both British and American English for mutual liking. Without 'it', 'hit off' for mimicry is somewhat dated.

Commonly used with

comedian impression accent mannerism instantly immediately

Forms

Base
hit off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hits off
he/she/it
Past simple
hit off
yesterday
Past participle
hit off
have + pp
-ing form
hitting off
continuous

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