ENGLISH
REFERENCE

off pat

idiom
Meaning

Synonym of down pat.


Origin

disputed origin

Unknown; see down pat § Etymology.

Examples
SIMPLE

She has her lines off pat for the school play.

CONTEXTUAL

The student practiced his presentation until he had every detail off pat for the exam.

COMPLEX

Having rehearsed the complex sequence of movements for weeks, the dancer had the entire routine off pat before the opening night.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    pat on the back

    Praise, congratulations.

  2. 02

    stand pat

    To resist changes.

© 2026 English Reference