1 C1 informal
To deflect a ball off a surface or an opponent's body.
"The goalkeeper managed to ball it off the post at the last second."
inseparable
ball it off
C1 informal inseparable transitive
To deflect or bounce something off a surface, especially in a ball sport.
In plain English
To hit or push something so it bounces away from a surface.
What does "ball it off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To send a ball off a surface — transparent.
Actually means
To hit or push something so it bounces away from a surface.
Usage tip
Very rare. Primarily found in British sports commentary or informal descriptions of ball games. Not a standard dictionary entry in most references.
Words that pair with "ball it off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
post wall surface defender crossbar glove
How to conjugate "ball it off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ball it off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
balls it off
he/she/it
Past simple
balled it off
yesterday
Past participle
balled it off
have + pp
-ing form
balling it off
continuous
Hear "ball it off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "ball it off"
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