1 C1 idiomatic informal
to shift an unwanted thing, duty, or problem onto someone else
"He tried to paw off the extra paperwork on the new assistant."
separable
paw off
C1 informal separable transitive
to push something away from oneself or make someone else take it
In plain English
to get rid of something by giving it to someone else
What does "paw off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to move something away with the paw or hand
Actually means
to get rid of something by giving it to someone else
Usage tip
Very rare and nonstandard in many varieties of English. Learners are more likely to meet 'pawn off' or 'fob off'.
Words that pair with "paw off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
responsibility task trouble problem work
How to conjugate "paw off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
paw off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
paws off
he/she/it
Past simple
pawed off
yesterday
Past participle
pawed off
have + pp
-ing form
pawing off
continuous
Hear "paw off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "paw off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "paw off"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.