Phrasal verb
duck off
Definition
phrasal verb. to leave a place quickly or quietly, often to do something else for a short time. You use this when you want to slip away without a big goodbye.
phrasal verb. to depart a location abruptly or discreetly, often for a brief period or to avoid further engagement. The verb is intransitive in this sense and is frequently used to describe a temporary absence.
Examples
“I'll duck off for five minutes to grab a coffee.”
“He had to duck off from the party early to catch the last train home.”
“While the committee continued its deliberations, the chairman managed to duck off for a private consultation with his legal advisors.”
Examples
simple
“I'll duck off for five minutes to grab a coffee.”
contextual
“He had to duck off from the party early to catch the last train home.”
complex
“While the committee continued its deliberations, the chairman managed to duck off for a private consultation with his legal advisors.”
Usage
Usually used without a direct object to describe the act of leaving.
Teaching tip
Common in British and Australian English, this phrase is a casual way to say 'leave' and sometimes acts as a mild euphemism for a stronger swear word.
Pitfall
I need to duck off the office.
I need to duck off from the office.
The phrase is intransitive, so you cannot place the location immediately after 'off' without a preposition like 'from'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
duck + off
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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