0
Jigneshbharati Posted 6 years ago
Grammar
The off
Begin your story well and you will hook readers from the off
https://www.writers-online.co.uk/how-to-write/creative-writing/10-good-ways-to-start-a-story/
What does "off" mean and why do we need "the" before it?
https://www.writers-online.co.uk/how-to-write/creative-writing/10-good-ways-to-start-a-story/
What does "off" mean and why do we need "the" before it?
Top answer
"the off" is an idiomatic set phrase that means "the start/beginning". In my mind, I picture it as originating in the expression "... " that is used when a horse race starts, but I don't know whether this is actually etymologically correct.
- "the off" is an idiomatic set phrase that means "the start/beginning".
- In my mind, I picture it as originating in the expression "...
- " that is used when a horse race starts, but I don't know whether this is actually etymologically correct.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
2 Answers
0
"the off" is an idiomatic set phrase that means "the start/beginning". In my mind, I picture it as originating in the expression "... and they're off!" that is used when a horse race starts, but I don't know whether this is actually etymologically correct.
00
The OED agrees with GPY that it refers to the start of a race. I have never heard the expression. I suspect it is more common in the UK than in the US.
0
Related Questions