# the pants off

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-pants-off
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.