| Idiom | Meaning | Example |
| off the shelf |
from the store shelf, run of the mill
|
It isn't a special gift, just an off-the-shelf radio with batteries.
|
| off the top of my head |
without thinking carefully, off the cuff
|
Off the top of my head, I believe the US has 50 states.
|
| off the wagon |
drinking again, drunk again
|
He's off the wagon again. He started drinking last night.
|
| off the wall |
unrelated, unusual, off topic
|
His idea of selling time is really off the wall - quite strange.
|
| off to a bad start |
not a good start, a poor beginning
|
The class got off to a bad start because the teacher was sick.
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| off to a good start |
a successful beginning, away to the races
|
Jim's off to a good start in math. He has the basic skills.
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| off to the races |
moving quickly ahead, off to a good start
|
When we get our business loan, we'll be off to the races.
|
| off topic |
not on the chosen topic, not related to the topic
|
If you're writing about dogs, flowers are off topic.
|
| off with |
remove clothing or a covering
|
Off with your overcoat, Ben. Stay and visit awhile.
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| off with you |
leave, go, skidaddle
|
Off with you, girl, or you'll be late for school.
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