1 B2 neutral
To remove a coating, layer, or rough feature from a surface using sandpaper.
"She sanded off all the old varnish before applying a fresh coat to the table."
separable
sand off
B2 neutral separable transitive
To remove something (such as paint, a rough edge, or rust) from a surface using sandpaper.
In plain English
To use sandpaper to rub away a layer or rough part of something.
What does "sand off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To remove a sharp edge or burr from a piece of wood or metal using sandpaper.
"Make sure you sand off any sharp edges before letting the children play with the toy."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To sand something off a surface — transparent.
Actually means
To use sandpaper to rub away a layer or rough part of something.
Usage tip
Common in DIY and woodworking. The object is typically what is being removed (paint, rust, a blemish), unlike 'sand down' where the object is the surface itself.
Words that pair with "sand off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
paint rust burr edge varnish layer
How to conjugate "sand off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
sand off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sands off
he/she/it
Past simple
sanded off
yesterday
Past participle
sanded off
have + pp
-ing form
sanding off
continuous
Hear "sand off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "sand off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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