come off
phr. v.. B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford
phr. v.. to happen as planned or to be successful.
phr. v.. to reach a successful conclusion or to occur as intended; often used when discussing events, plans, or performances.
The surprise party didn't come off because he found out.
Despite the lack of rehearsal time, the play came off without any major mistakes.
The bold merger, which many analysts predicted would fail, actually came off quite smoothly due to careful planning.
- Particles
- off
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- subject + come + off
Usage
usually used with plans, events, or specific attempts as the subject.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'succeed' (more general) and 'happen' (neutral); 'come off' specifically implies that a planned effort worked out.
Pitfall
The plan came off it.The plan came off.in this sense, 'come off' is intransitive and does not take a direct object.