English Reference

Phrasal verb

screw off

Definition

phrasal verb. to leave a place, or a rude way to tell someone to go away. You use this when you are angry or someone is bothering you.

phrasal verb. An informal phrasal verb used as a dismissive imperative or an intransitive verb meaning to depart. It functions as a less vulgar euphemism for more offensive terms of dismissal.

Examples

“I was tired of his questions, so I told him to screw off.”

“When the reporters started asking personal questions about his family, the actor told them to screw off and walked to his car.”

“Exasperated by the persistent heckling, the diplomat abandoned his composure and told the agitators to screw off before exiting the stage.”

Examples

simple

“I was tired of his questions, so I told him to screw off.”

contextual

“When the reporters started asking personal questions about his family, the actor told them to screw off and walked to his car.”

complex

“Exasperated by the persistent heckling, the diplomat abandoned his composure and told the agitators to screw off before exiting the stage.”

Usage

This phrase is informal and can be rude, so avoid using it in professional or polite settings.

Teaching tip

Contrast this with 'go away' and 'fuck off' to show students how English has different levels of rudeness for the same command.

Pitfall

I need to screw off the lid.

I need to unscrew the lid.

English uses the prefix 'un-' for this action rather than the phrasal particle 'off'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

screw + off

Synonyms

go awayget lostbuzz offbeat it

Antonyms

stayarrive

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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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