1 C1 idiomatic informal
To leave a place or go somewhere in a casual, relaxed, and often unhurried manner.
"It was getting late, so she said goodbye and toddled off home."
inseparable
toddle off
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To leave a place in a casual, unhurried way; often said affectionately or humorously, especially about children or in a self-deprecating way.
In plain English
To go off somewhere in a relaxed, casual way — often said in a friendly or joking manner.
What does "toddle off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
For a small child to walk away on unsteady legs.
"The toddler toddled off to explore the garden on his own."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To walk away with the unsteady steps of a toddler.
Actually means
To go off somewhere in a relaxed, casual way — often said in a friendly or joking manner.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. The word 'toddle' literally describes a young child's unsteady walk, so the expression carries a gentle, humorous, or affectionate tone. Often used self-deprecatingly: 'I'll toddle off to bed now.' Not used in formal writing.
Words that pair with "toddle off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
bed home now along soon away
How to conjugate "toddle off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
toddle off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
toddles off
he/she/it
Past simple
toddled off
yesterday
Past participle
toddled off
have + pp
-ing form
toddling off
continuous
Hear "toddle off" in the wild
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