ENGLISH
REFERENCE

come off

phrasal verb.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford
Definition

phrasal verb. to happen as planned or to be successful.

phrasal verb. to reach a successful conclusion or to occur as intended; often used when discussing events, plans, or performances.


SIMPLE

The surprise party didn't come off because he found out.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the lack of rehearsal time, the play came off without any major mistakes.

COMPLEX

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.

Word family

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