come off

To become separate from something you were attached to.

• A button came off my coat.
• This label will not come off easily.
• The paint came off when I washed the door.

How to use it: come off something (The handle came off the drawer.)

Similar words: come loose, detach, fall off

Common phrases: come off easily, come off something

To succeed or work as intended.

• The plan did not come off.
• Her joke came off better than she expected.
• Will that difficult trick come off on stage?

Similar words: succeed, work

Opposites: fail

Common phrases: come off well, come off perfectly

To seem a particular way to other people.

• I hope I did not come off as rude.
• He comes off as a very kind person.
• Did my reply come off badly?

How to use it: come off as + adjective/noun (He came off as confident during the interview.); come off + adverb (Her message came off badly.)

Similar words: seem, appear, come across

Common phrases: come off badly, come off as rude

To get through a dangerous or difficult situation with little harm or punishment.

• He came off lightly after the accident.
• She came off with just a small fine.
• Both passengers came off unhurt.

How to use it: come off with something (She came off with only a few scratches.); come off + adjective/adverb (The driver came off lightly after the crash.)

Similar words: get off, escape

Common phrases: come off lightly, come off unhurt

To leave a place or turn away from a road or route.

• We come off the main road here.
• The players came off the field at half time.
• Which junction should I come off at?

How to use it: come off a road/place (Come off the motorway at the next exit.)

Similar words: leave, exit, turn off

Common phrases: come off something, come off here

To happen or develop in a particular way.

• The wedding came off on Saturday.
• Everything came off as we had expected.
• Will the meeting come off tomorrow?

How to use it: come off as planned/expected (The ceremony came off as planned.)

Similar words: take place, happen, turn out

Common phrases: come off tomorrow, come off as planned