1 C1 neutral
(Non-standard/rare) To deflect or deal with unwanted questions or approaches.
"The spokesperson tried to field off the most difficult questions from the journalists."
separable
field off
C1 neutral separable transitive
A rare or non-standard variant occasionally used to mean deflecting or handling unwanted questions or challenges; not widely established.
In plain English
To push away or deal with something you don't want to answer or deal with.
What does "field off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To send something off from the field.
Actually means
To push away or deal with something you don't want to answer or deal with.
Usage tip
Not a widely attested standard phrasal verb. 'Field' alone is commonly used to mean handling questions ('field questions from the press'). 'Field off' may occasionally appear but is not recommended for learners. Use 'field' (without 'off') or 'fend off' instead.
Words that pair with "field off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
questions criticism reporters
How to conjugate "field off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
field off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fields off
he/she/it
Past simple
fielded off
yesterday
Past participle
fielded off
have + pp
-ing form
fielding off
continuous
Hear "field off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "field off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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