1 B2 neutral
To draw off a portion of liquid or gas from a larger supply through a tap or valve.
"The brewer tapped off a sample from the barrel to check the flavour."
separable
tap off
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To draw off a portion of liquid or gas from a source, or to check out of a public transport system using a card.
In plain English
To let some liquid out through a tap, or to touch your travel card on a reader when you leave the bus or train.
What does "tap off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To check out of a public transport system by touching a payment card or device on a reader when leaving.
"Don't forget to tap off when you get off the bus or you'll be charged the maximum fare."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use a tap to let something flow off from the main body.
Actually means
To let some liquid out through a tap, or to touch your travel card on a reader when you leave the bus or train.
Usage tip
The liquid sense is technical/industrial, referring to controlled removal of liquid or gas. The transit sense ('tap off') is common in countries with contactless public transport systems (UK, Australia, Netherlands) and is the counterpart of 'tap on.'
Words that pair with "tap off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
transit card Oyster card reader liquid pressure bus train
How to conjugate "tap off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tap off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
taps off
he/she/it
Past simple
taped off
yesterday
Past participle
taped off
have + pp
-ing form
taping off
continuous
Hear "tap off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tap off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.