# carry off

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/carry-off
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

To succeed in doing something difficult, especially when you need confidence or skill. You use this when someone handles a tricky situation well.

For teachers: To execute a difficult task or performance successfully. Transitive; often implies a degree of poise or flair in the execution.

## Examples

- She had a difficult speech to give, but she carried it off.
- Although he was nervous about the presentation, his preparation helped him carry off the meeting with great success.
- The young actor managed to carry off the role of the aging king with a gravitas that surprised even the most cynical critics.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He carried off to win the race." but "He carried off the victory." — The phrase requires a noun object representing the achievement rather than an infinitive verb phrase.

## Usage notes

- Usually takes a direct object, often a task, a role, or a specific performance.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'pull off', which is more informal and focuses on the difficulty of the feat rather than the style of the execution.

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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.