Off you go

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/ɒf juː ɡoʊ/
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A phrase used to tell someone to leave or to encourage them to start an activity, often in a friendly or dismissive tone.

Examples

  • Coach shouted, Off you go, run the first lap.
  • Off you go, let's get cooking.
  • Off you go, don't forget your coat.
  • Off you go, time to go home.
  • Off you go, time to begin the test.

Similar words

leave now
proceed
take the first step
go ahead
off you pop
head out
go away
start now
move forward
off you go now

Meanings

Polite way to tell someone to leave

everyday
neutral
Used to send someone away, often gently, especially a child.

Usage

Use Off you go when you want to politely ask someone to depart.

Examples

  • Off you go, see you later!
  • Off you go, have a nice day.
  • The teacher said, Off you go, and the student left.
  • Off you go, don't forget your coat.
  • She smiled and said, Off you go, enjoy the park.
  • Off you go, time to go home.
  • He waved and said, Off you go, be careful.

Common mistakes

Often confused with a command to start an activity
IncorrectCorrect
Off you go, stay here. Off you go, see you later.
Off you go, don't leave yet. Off you go, have a good day.
Off you go, I will wait. Off you go, enjoy your walk.
Off you go, we will talk later. Off you go, have fun.

Similar words

Encouragement to begin an activity

everyday
neutral
Said to prompt someone to start doing something, such as a task or action.

Usage

Use Off you go to encourage someone to begin a task, choosing this sense when the context is about starting.

Examples

  • Off you go, start the project now!
  • Off you go, time to begin the test.
  • Coach shouted, Off you go, run the first lap.
  • Off you go, open the file and edit.
  • She said, Off you go, write the first paragraph.
  • Off you go, let's get cooking.
  • Off you go, start the engine and drive.

Common mistakes

Sometimes used when a different phrase is more appropriate
IncorrectCorrect
Off you go, start the engine. Go ahead, start the engine.
Off you go, begin the report. Please begin the report.
Off you go, let's eat. Let's eat.
Off you go, open the door. Open the door.

Similar words

Usage

Use Off you go to politely ask someone to depart, or to prompt them to begin a task, choosing the sense that fits the context.

Common mistakes

Often misused as a noun or applied to inanimate objects, e.g., the off you go is incorrect.

Etymology

From the verb off and the pronoun you, first recorded in the early 20th century as a colloquial expression.

FAQ

What does Off you go mean?

It is an idiom used to tell someone to leave or to encourage them to start something.

Is Off you go used for children?

Yes, it is often said to children when sending them off to do an activity.

Can Off you go be used in formal writing?

It is informal and best used in spoken or casual contexts.

What is a synonym for Off you go?

Go ahead or get going are common synonyms.

Is Off you go a command or a suggestion?

It can function as a gentle command or a friendly suggestion, depending on tone.

Can I say Off you go to an object?

No, the phrase is used for people, not inanimate objects.

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