PUT OFF Meaning and
Definition
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Put off is a phrasal verb that can have multiple meanings depending on the context. At its core, it refers to the act of delaying or postponing something. It implies intentionally pushing an event, task, or decision to a later time or date. The phrase can be used both in literal and figurative senses.
When used literally, put off refers to rescheduling a planned event or meeting. It suggests the act of moving it to a different day or time due to unforeseen circumstances, conflicting schedules, or a desire to extend planning or preparation time.
In a figurative sense, put off can denote avoiding or procrastinating on an action or decision that may be unpleasant, challenging, or demanding. It implies hesitancy or reluctance to confront a task or responsibility, often driven by fear, disinterest, or a desire to have more time for contemplation or preparation.
Put off can also connote a sense of delaying or postponing an emotional response or reaction. It suggests temporarily setting aside one's emotional or personal involvement, usually because one is not ready or willing to address or confront a particular situation or issue.
Overall, put off signifies the act of delaying or postponing activities, tasks, decisions, or emotional responses to a later time, either due to external factors or personal reasons.
Common Misspellings for PUT OFF
- putoff
- pot off
- putof
- puttoff
- out off
- lut off
- 0ut off
- pyt off
- pht off
- pjt off
- pit off
- p8t off
- p7t off
- pur off
- puf off
- pug off
- puy off
- pu6 off
- pu5 off
- put iff
Etymology of PUT OFF
The word "put off" is a phrasal verb that originated in the late 16th century.
The term "put" comes from the Old English word "putian", which means "to thrust, throw, or place".
The word "off" has its roots in Old English as well, derived from the word "of", which means "away, from".
When these two words are combined, "put off" means to postpone, delay, or defer something.
Idioms with the word PUT OFF
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put off the scent
The idiom "put off the scent" usually means to mislead or divert someone's attention or suspicion from the truth or a particular person. It refers to deliberately confusing someone or making them lose track of a trail or a clue.
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put off the track
The idiom "put off the track" means to divert or derail someone from their intended course or goal. It refers to leading someone astray or causing them to lose focus or direction.
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put off by
The idiom "put off by" means to feel displeased, repelled, or unwilling to engage with something or someone due to a specific reason or quality. It suggests a sense of being discouraged or deterred from a particular action or situation.
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put off the evil day
The idiom "put off the evil day" means to delay or postpone a difficult or unpleasant task or event in the hope of avoiding or minimizing its impact or consequences.
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put off the evil day (or hour)
The idiom "put off the evil day (or hour)" refers to delaying or avoiding facing an unpleasant or difficult situation or task. It implies procrastination or postponing something unpleasant in the hopes of preventing or mitigating its negative consequences.
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put off the evil hour
The idiom "put off the evil hour" means to delay or procrastinate dealing with a difficult, unpleasant or inevitable situation. It suggests avoiding or postponing facing a challenging task, problem or decision, hoping that circumstances will improve or resolve on their own.
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never put off until tomorrow
The idiom "never put off until tomorrow" means that one should not delay or postpone completing a task or taking action. It emphasizes the importance of addressing responsibilities or tasks promptly, without procrastination.
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never put off until tomorrow what you can do today
The idiom "never put off until tomorrow what you can do today" means that one should not delay or procrastinate tasks or responsibilities that can be done immediately. It emphasizes the importance of taking prompt action rather than postponing or delaying action unnecessarily.
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put off
To postpone; to delay; to wait until a later time to deal with or address something.
Similar spelling words for PUT OFF
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