1 A2 neutral
For an object to hit a surface and spring back in another direction.
"The ball bounced off the post and landed just outside the goal."
bounce off
B1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To rebound from a surface, or to share ideas with someone to get their reaction.
In plain English
When something hits a surface and springs back, or when you tell someone your idea to see what they think.
What does "bounce off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To share an idea or plan with someone in order to get their opinion or feedback.
"Can I bounce a few ideas off you before I present them to the board?"
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
For criticism, insults, or negative comments to have no effect on someone.
"The insults just seemed to bounce off him — he never let them get to him."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To spring back after hitting a surface, just as a ball bounces off a wall.
Actually means
When something hits a surface and springs back, or when you tell someone your idea to see what they think.
Usage tip
The literal sense is used in physics, sports, and everyday description. The figurative sense ('bounce ideas off someone') is very common in professional and creative settings. Note: 'bounce off' someone vs. 'bounce off' a surface.
Words that pair with "bounce off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
wall surface ceiling ideas thoughts someone
How to conjugate "bounce off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bounce off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bounces off
he/she/it
Past simple
bounced off
yesterday
Past participle
bounced off
have + pp
-ing form
bouncing off
continuous
Hear "bounce off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "bounce off"
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Keep exploring
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