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tap off

B2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To let some liquid out through a tap, or to touch your travel card on a reader when you leave the bus or train.

Literal meaning: To use a tap to let something flow off from the main body.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: separable
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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.'

Commonly used with

transit card Oyster card reader liquid pressure bus train

Forms

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

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