ENGLISH
REFERENCE

the pants off

idiom
Meaning

An intensifier used with some transitive action verbs to indicate that the action is performed with thoroughness, vigor, or complete success.


Examples
SIMPLE

They danced the pants off everyone at the party.

CONTEXTUAL

The new software developer is brilliant and has coded the pants off our old system.

COMPLEX

The young violinist performed with such raw intensity that she played the pants off the entire orchestra during the final movement.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    ants in one's pants

    The condition of being agitated and constantly fidgeting.

  2. 02

    beat the pants off

    To thoroughly and decisively defeat someone, either in a physical fight or, figuratively, in a competition.

  3. 03

    caught with one's pants down

    Caught off guard, unprepared, or in an embarrassing situation.

  4. 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.

  5. 05

    get into someone's pants

    To have sex with someone, especially for the first time.

  6. 06

    keep one's pants on

    To stay calm.

  7. 07

    lick the pants off

    To thoroughly and decisively defeat someone, either in a physical fight or, figuratively, in a competition.

  8. 08

    pee in one's pants

    To laugh uncontrollably.

Last updated April 17, 2026