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tee off

B2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

In golf, to take your first hit; at an event, to start things off; or to make someone really annoyed.

Literal meaning: In golf: to hit the ball from the 'tee' (a small peg) at the start of a hole.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

In golf, to play the first shot of a hole from the tee.

"The tournament leaders are scheduled to tee off at nine o'clock tomorrow morning."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To begin a formal event, meeting, or programme.

"The conference will tee off with a keynote address from the CEO."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

(Informal, especially American English) To annoy or anger someone.

"It really tees me off when people don't indicate before turning."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The golf sense is literal and universal among players. The 'start an event' sense is used in broadcasting and business. The 'annoy someone' sense is informal American English.

Commonly used with

at eight the tournament the conference someone the proceedings

Forms

Base
tee off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tees off
he/she/it
Past simple
teed off
yesterday
Past participle
teed off
have + pp
-ing form
teeing off
continuous

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Synonyms

start begin kick off open annoy irritate

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