pair off
Definition
Verb: 1. To form a couple or a partnership, especially for a specific purpose or activity, such as a dance, game, or social event. It implies two individuals coming together as a unit. 2. To separate into pairs; to match or group two people or things together.
Usage
The verb "pair off" is used to describe the action of two people or things joining together. It is often used in social contexts where people form couples, or in organizational contexts where items or individuals are matched. - It is typically used intransitively (e.g., The guests paired off). - It can also be used transitively with a reflexive pronoun (e.g., They paired themselves off).
Examples
- After the lecture, the students paired off to work on the project.
- At the party, people quickly paired off and started dancing.
- The teacher asked the children to pair off for the science experiment.
- The animals paired off during the mating season.
Advanced Usage
- "to pair off with someone": To form a couple with a specific person.
- She paired off with her best friend for the scavenger hunt.
- Used in contexts describing romantic or mating partnerships.
- Many of their friends had already paired off and gotten married.
Variants and Related Words
- Pair (verb): To put two people or things together.
- The coach paired the new player with an experienced one.
- Pair up (phrasal verb): Very similar in meaning to "pair off," often used interchangeably.
- We need to pair up for the next exercise.
Synonyms
- Team up: To join together to form a team.
- Couple: To link or combine.
- Buddy up: To form a partnership (informal).
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Pair up: To form a pair or team. (Note: This is a closely related variant.)
- Let's pair up and practice the dialogue.
Related Idioms
- To go off in pairs: To leave or separate into couples.
- When the tour ended, the group went off in pairs to explore the city.
Verb
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form a pair or pairs
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The two old friends paired off
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