the pants off
An intensifier used with some transitive action verbs to indicate that the action is performed with thoroughness, vigor, or complete success.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“They danced the pants off everyone at the party.”
“The new software developer is brilliant and has coded the pants off our old system.”
“The young violinist performed with such raw intensity that she played the pants off the entire orchestra during the final movement.”
- 01
ants in one's pants
The condition of being agitated and constantly fidgeting.
- 02
beat the pants off
To thoroughly and decisively defeat someone, either in a physical fight or, figuratively, in a competition.
- 03
caught with one's pants down
Caught off guard, unprepared, or in an embarrassing situation.
- 04
fly by the seat of one's pants
To pilot an aircraft without the aid of instruments and without a flight plan, using only instinct, visual observation, and practical judgment.
- 05
get into someone's pants
To have sex with someone, especially for the first time.
- 06
keep one's pants on
To stay calm.
- 07
lick the pants off
To thoroughly and decisively defeat someone, either in a physical fight or, figuratively, in a competition.
- 08
pee in one's pants
To laugh uncontrollably.
Last updated August 10, 2026