Browse all

rope off

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To put a rope around an area so people know they shouldn't go there.

Literal meaning: To enclose an area with a rope — fully transparent.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To enclose or mark off an area with a rope or similar barrier to control access.

"The police roped off the street while the investigation was under way."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral

To create a special enclosed area for VIPs or restricted access at an event.

"A velvet rope roped off the VIP section at the front of the venue."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Commonly used for events, crime scenes, construction sites, VIP areas, and historical sites. The 'rope' may be a literal rope, velvet rope, tape, or any temporary barrier. Often seen in news reports and instructions. 'Roped off' is a very common participial adjective.

Commonly used with

area section zone stage crime scene VIP area entrance

Forms

Base
rope off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ropes off
he/she/it
Past simple
roped off
yesterday
Past participle
roped off
have + pp
-ing form
roping off
continuous

Understand "rope off" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "rope off" on Looplines