English Reference

Phrasal verb

get off with

Definition

phr.v. to kiss someone passionately or have a sexual encounter with them.

phr.v. to engage in sexual activity or passionate kissing with a person. The term is highly informal and primarily used in British and Irish contexts.

Examples

“He got off with just a small fine.”

“Despite the seriousness of the accident, the driver got off with a warning because it was his first offense.”

“The corporate executives got off with a mere slap on the wrist while their employees faced the full brunt of the legal fallout.”

Examples

simple

“He got off with just a small fine.”

contextual

“Despite the seriousness of the accident, the driver got off with a warning because it was his first offense.”

complex

“The corporate executives got off with a mere slap on the wrist while their employees faced the full brunt of the legal fallout.”

Usage

This is an inseparable phrasal verb; the object always follows 'with'.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'get away with' (escaping punishment entirely) to help students understand that 'get off with' involves a light penalty rather than no penalty at all.

This term is very common in UK youth culture but can sound dated or overly casual in professional settings; learners should use 'hook up with' for a more international equivalent.

Synonyms

hook up withmake out withsnog

Phrasal verb

Particles

off with

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

get + off + with + object

Synonyms

escapeget away withbe acquitted

Antonyms

be convictedsuffer the consequencespay the price

Grammar

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated
Register
British English, Informal, Slang

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English Reference