off adv
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off-hand — (adv.) also offhand, 1690s, at once, straightway, from OFF (Cf. off) (adv.) + HAND (Cf. hand) (n.). Probably originally in reference to shooting without a rest or support. Hence, of speech or action, unpremeditated (1719). Related: Off handed;… … Etymology dictionary
off-base — (adv.) unawares, 1936, American English, from OFF (Cf. off) (adv.) + BASE (Cf. base) (n.); a figurative extension from baseball sense of not in the right position (1898), from notion of a baserunner being picked off while taking a lead … Etymology dictionary
off-and-on — (adv.) intermittently, 1530s; see OFF (Cf. off) (adv.) + ON (Cf. on). As an adjective from 1580s … Etymology dictionary
off-Broadway — (adj.) 1953, experimental theater productions in New York City, from OFF (Cf. off) (adv.) + BROADWAY (Cf. Broadway). Even more experimental off off Broadway is attested from 1967 … Etymology dictionary
off\ and\ on — • off and on • on and off adv Not regularly; occasionally; sometimes. Joan wrote to a pen pal in England off and on for several years. It rained off and on all day. Sometimes used with hyphens like an adjective. A worn out cord may make a hearing … Словарь американских идиом
off-beat — (adj.) also offbeat, unusual, 1938, from OFF (Cf. off) (adv.) + BEAT (Cf. beat) (n.). From earlier sense in reference to from music rhythm (1927) … Etymology dictionary
off-camera — (adj.) 1944, from OFF (Cf. off) (adv.) + CAMERA (Cf. camera) … Etymology dictionary
off-chance — (n.) 1861, from OFF (Cf. off) (adv.) + CHANCE (Cf. chance) (n.) … Etymology dictionary
off-color — (adj.) 1858, from OFF (Cf. off) (adv.) + COLOR (Cf. color) (n.); originally used of gems; figurative extension to of questionable taste, risqué is American English, 1867 … Etymology dictionary
off-duty — (adj.) 1743, from OFF (Cf. off) (adv.) + DUTY (Cf. duty) … Etymology dictionary
