# kiss off

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kiss-off
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

You use this when you rudely tell someone to go away or reject an idea because you are finished with it.

For teachers: To dismiss or reject someone or something abruptly and often rudely. The verb is transitive when used with an object, though it frequently appears as a standalone imperative to signal a blunt rejection.

## Examples

- He told the rude driver to kiss off.
- After the company rejected his promotion for the third time, he told them to kiss off and started his own business.
- The administration's decision to kiss off the environmental concerns of the local community led to a series of high-profile protests and legal challenges.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He kissed off to the job offer." but "He kissed off the job offer." — The verb is transitive and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

## Usage notes

- This phrase is highly informal and can be considered rude or aggressive in professional settings.
- Teaching tip: Explain that while 'kiss off' is a dismissal, 'kiss something goodbye' means to accept that you have lost something forever.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.