pair off
B1 neutral separable both
In simple words
Split into pairs, especially when two people become a romantic couple.
Literal meaning: To pair people so each goes off with another — fairly transparent.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To form romantic couples from within a group; (of people) to begin a relationship with someone.
"By the end of the retreat, almost everyone had paired off with someone they had met there."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To divide a group into pairs for a task or activity.
"The PE teacher paired off the students and told each duo to practise passing drills."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Often used reflexively or intransitively ('they paired off') in social contexts. Can be used by a teacher or organiser assigning pairs. The romantic sense implies natural or spontaneous coupling within a group.
Commonly used with
students guests couples dancers contestants participants
Forms
Base
pair off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pairs off
he/she/it
Past simple
paired off
yesterday
Past participle
paired off
have + pp
-ing form
pairing off
continuous
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Synonyms
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