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ring off

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To finish a phone call and hang up — to put the phone down.

Literal meaning: To ring (the bell signal) and go off (end) the call.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To end a telephone call by replacing the receiver or disconnecting.

"She rang off before I had a chance to explain what had happened."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Primarily British English and becoming old-fashioned even there. 'Hang up' is now far more common globally. The phrase originated in the era of physical receivers being 'rung off' the line.

Commonly used with

quickly abruptly immediately suddenly before I could speak

Forms

Base
ring off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rings off
he/she/it
Past simple
rang off
yesterday
Past participle
rung off
have + pp
-ing form
ringing off
continuous

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Synonyms

hang up put the phone down disconnect end the call cut the call

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