leave off

To stop an activity at a particular point, expecting to continue later.

• Where did we leave off?
• She left off reading halfway through the chapter.
• We’ll pick up tomorrow where we left off today.

How to use it: where someone left off (Let’s continue where we left off yesterday.)

Similar words: pause, stop

Opposites: resume, continue

Common phrases: leave off reading, leave off work

To not include something that could or should be included.

• You can leave off the sauce.
• They left my name off the list.
• Did you leave the date off your application?

How to use it: leave something off something (She left her address off the form.)

Similar words: omit, leave out

Opposites: include, add

Common phrases: leave off a name, leave something off

To stop doing something, especially something that annoys another person.

• Leave off shouting!
• He finally left off bothering his sister.
• Will you leave off complaining for a minute?

How to use it: leave off doing something (Leave off making that noise!)

Similar words: stop, quit, desist

Opposites: continue

Common phrases: leave off teasing, leave off complaining