toddle off
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To go off somewhere in a relaxed, casual way — often said in a friendly or joking manner.
Literal meaning: To walk away with the unsteady steps of a toddler.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To leave a place or go somewhere in a casual, relaxed, and often unhurried manner.
"It was getting late, so she said goodbye and toddled off home."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 informal
For a small child to walk away on unsteady legs.
"The toddler toddled off to explore the garden on his own."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily British English. The word 'toddle' literally describes a young child's unsteady walk, so the expression carries a gentle, humorous, or affectionate tone. Often used self-deprecatingly: 'I'll toddle off to bed now.' Not used in formal writing.
Commonly used with
bed home now along soon away
Forms
Base
toddle off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
toddles off
he/she/it
Past simple
toddled off
yesterday
Past participle
toddled off
have + pp
-ing form
toddling off
continuous
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