yank off
B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To pull something off very quickly and hard, like ripping a bandage off.
Literal meaning: To pull something away from a surface or person with a sudden, sharp jerk — fairly transparent.
Meanings
1 B1 informal
To remove something with a sudden, strong, sharp pulling movement.
"He yanked off his tie the moment he got home from work."
Grammar: separable
2 B1 informal
To detach or break something free by pulling it sharply.
"She yanked off the tablecloth, sending everything crashing to the floor."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Describes a quick, forceful removal. Used both literally (removing clothing, bandages, covers) and in other contexts. The forcefulness distinguishes it from simply 'take off'. Common in spoken informal English.
Commonly used with
lid bandage cover shirt mask label
Forms
Base
yank off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
yanks off
he/she/it
Past simple
yanked off
yesterday
Past participle
yanked off
have + pp
-ing form
yanking off
continuous
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