go off
/ɡəʊ ɒf/
Meaning
This phrasal verb has a few common meanings in daily life. It most often means to make a sudden loud noise, like an alarm clock or car alarm. It also means for food to spoil or go bad, or to suddenly explode.
Examples
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My alarm went off at 6:00 AM, but I slept right through it.
My alarm went off at 6:00 AM, but I slept right through it.
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Don't drink that milk; I think it has gone off.
Don't drink that milk; I think it has gone off.
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Suddenly, a car alarm started to go off in the parking lot.
Suddenly, a car alarm started to go off in the parking lot.
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The fireworks are scheduled to go off at midnight.
The fireworks are scheduled to go off at midnight.
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I used to love coffee, but I've gone off it recently.
I used to love coffee, but I've gone off it recently.
Common Mistakes
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✗ My alarm opened at 7 AM.
✓ My alarm went off at 7 AM.
Learners often translate 'open' or 'ring' literally from their native language instead of using the natural phrasal verb 'go off' for alarms.
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✗ The meat made bad because it was left out.
✓ The meat went off because it was left out.
To describe food spoiling, use 'go off' or 'go bad'. 'Made bad' is an incorrect literal translation.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I woke up early because my phone's alarm started to ___.
💡 Think of what an alarm does when it makes noise.
Show answer
go off
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You should throw away those leftovers before they ___.
💡 This means the food will spoil or become bad to eat.
Show answer
go off