ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bring off

phr. v..
C1 Advanced Oxford

phr. v.. to succeed in doing something very difficult that most people might fail at.

phr. v.. to successfully achieve or execute a difficult task, often one involving a high degree of skill or risk.


SIMPLE

It was a difficult plan, but they managed to bring it off.

CONTEXTUAL

The young director brought off a stunning performance despite having a very small budget and little time.

COMPLEX

Few politicians could have brought off such a delicate negotiation without alienating the more radical members of their own party.

Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
bring + object + off
Usage

often used with 'it' as the object when the task has already been mentioned.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'pull off' (a more common, slightly less formal synonym) and 'carry out' (which implies following instructions rather than overcoming difficulty).

Pitfall

He brought off to win the race.He brought off the win.this phrasal verb requires a noun or pronoun as an object, not an infinitive verb phrase.

© 2026 English Reference