head off

prevenire, scongiurare

Agire in anticipo per impedire un problema o un evento indesiderato.

In inglese semplice: To act early to stop a problem or unwanted event from happening.

• We must head off trouble.
• The talks headed off a strike.
• Extra supplies could head off a food shortage.

Come si usa: head something off (Early action helped us head the problem off.)

Sinonimi: prevent, avert, forestall

Espressioni comuni: head off trouble, head off a crisis, head off something

partire, mettersi in viaggio

Lasciare un luogo e iniziare un viaggio verso un'altra destinazione.

In inglese semplice: To leave a place and begin travelling somewhere.

• We should head off now.
• She headed off to work early.
• What time are you heading off tomorrow?

Come si usa: head off to somewhere (We headed off to the beach after breakfast.)

Sinonimi: leave, set off, depart

Contrari: arrive

Espressioni comuni: head off home, head off to work, head off early, head off to school

intercettare, sbarrare la strada

Portarsi davanti a qualcuno che si muove per impedirgli di proseguire.

In inglese semplice: To get in front of someone moving and stop them from continuing.

• We headed off the escaping sheep.
• The police headed off the suspect at the bridge.
• Can you head him off before he reaches the road?

Come si usa: head someone off (The guards headed them off at the gate.)

Sinonimi: intercept, block

Espressioni comuni: head off someone, head off the escapees

poggiare

Girare la barca in modo che la prua si allontani maggiormente dalla direzione da cui arriva il vento.

In inglese semplice: To turn a boat so that its front points further away from the direction the wind comes from.

• The skipper told me to head off.
• We headed off slightly as the wind increased.
• Head off until the sails fill again.

Sinonimi: bear away, fall off

Contrari: head up

Espressioni comuni: head off slightly, head off downwind