ENGLISH
REFERENCE

get off on

phr. v..
C1 Advanced Oxford Informal Slang

phr. v.. to enjoy something very much, especially in a way that other people might find strange or wrong.

phr. v.. to derive intense pleasure or excitement from a specific activity or stimulus; often carries a connotation of power, control, or sexual gratification.


SIMPLE

He really gets off on telling people what to do.

CONTEXTUAL

Some people get off on the adrenaline rush of extreme sports, while others prefer quiet hobbies.

COMPLEX

The antagonist seemed to get off on the psychological manipulation of his victims, finding a twisted sense of satisfaction in their confusion.

Particles
off on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
get + off + on + object
Usage

highly informal and often implies the pleasure is slightly inappropriate or obsessive.

Teaching tip

advise students to use this carefully as it can have sexual overtones; in a general sense, it highlights a person's ego or a 'power trip'.

Pitfall

She gets off on to win.She gets off on winning.the phrase must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.

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