Phrasal verb
mouth off
Definition
phrasal verb. to speak in a rude or disrespectful way, especially to someone in charge. You use this when someone is complaining loudly or being impolite.
phrasal verb. To speak insolently or indiscreetly, typically to an authority figure. The verb is intransitive and often carries a connotation of aggressive or uncalled-for verbal defiance.
Examples
“Don't mouth off to your boss if you want to keep your job.”
“The teenager got into trouble for mouthing off to the police officer during the traffic stop.”
“Despite the gravity of the situation, he couldn't resist mouthing off to the judge, which resulted in a harsher sentence for contempt of court.”
Examples
simple
“Don't mouth off to your boss if you want to keep your job.”
contextual
“The teenager got into trouble for mouthing off to the police officer during the traffic stop.”
complex
“Despite the gravity of the situation, he couldn't resist mouthing off to the judge, which resulted in a harsher sentence for contempt of court.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'to' when mentioning the person being addressed.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'talk back'; while both involve disrespect, 'mouth off' often implies a louder, more public, or more aggressive display of insolence.
Pitfall
He mouthed off his teacher.
He mouthed off to his teacher.
The verb is intransitive; you must use the preposition 'to' before the person being addressed.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
mouth + off (+ to + object)
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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