1 C1 neutral
In football or similar sports, to enter the goal after deflecting off a post, bar, or another player.
"His shot went in off the far post — pure luck!"
inseparable
go in off
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In sport, to score or enter a target by first bouncing or deflecting off another object or surface.
In plain English
When a ball hits something first and then goes into the goal or pocket.
What does "go in off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 neutral
In snooker or billiards, to pot a ball by bouncing it off a cushion or another ball.
"He played a clever shot that went in off the red."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go into (the goal/pocket) after coming off (another surface) — fully transparent in context.
Actually means
When a ball hits something first and then goes into the goal or pocket.
Usage tip
Primarily used in British sports commentary, especially in football (soccer), snooker, and billiards. Describes a fortunate or unintended score where the ball deflects into the target. Less common in American English sports contexts.
Words that pair with "go in off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
post bar defender cushion wall goalkeeper
How to conjugate "go in off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
go in off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes in off
he/she/it
Past simple
went in off
yesterday
Past participle
gone in off
have + pp
-ing form
going in off
continuous
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Other ways to say "go in off"
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