shove off
B1 informal both
In simple words
To leave (used rudely), or to push a boat away from the dock
Literal meaning: To push a boat off from the shore using a pole or one's hands
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To go away; often used as a rude or firm command to leave
"'Shove off,' she said sharply, without looking up from her book."
2 B2 neutral
To push a boat away from a dock, jetty, or bank in order to begin moving on water
"They shoved off from the riverbank just as the sun was starting to rise."
Usage notes
The 'go away' sense is commonly used as an imperative ('Shove off!') and is mildly rude — stronger than 'go away' but weaker than stronger vulgar alternatives. The nautical sense is literal and neutral. Primarily British English.
Commonly used with
boat dock stranger annoying crowd jetty
Forms
Base
shove off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shoves off
he/she/it
Past simple
shoved off
yesterday
Past participle
shoved off
have + pp
-ing form
shoving off
continuous
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