1 B2 idiomatic informal
To succeed in doing something difficult, especially with style or skill.
"She wore a very unusual outfit, but somehow she carried it off perfectly."
separable
carry off
B2 neutral separable transitive
To successfully achieve something difficult or challenging; to remove something by force; or (dated) to cause death.
In plain English
To succeed at doing something tricky, or to take something away by force.
What does "carry off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To take or remove something or someone by force.
"The thieves broke in and carried off several valuable paintings."
separable
3 B2 neutral
To win a prize or award.
"The film carried off four major awards at the ceremony."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically carry something off and away.
Actually means
To succeed at doing something tricky, or to take something away by force.
Usage tip
The 'succeed' sense is the most common in modern usage. The 'death' sense is dated and literary. The literal sense of forcible removal is less frequent but clear.
Words that pair with "carry off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
prize award performance joke look task
How to conjugate "carry off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
carry off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
carries off
he/she/it
Past simple
carried off
yesterday
Past participle
carried off
have + pp
-ing form
carrying off
continuous
Hear "carry off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "carry off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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