wash off

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Explanation of "Wash Off"

Definition: "Wash off" is a verb phrase that means to remove dirt, stains, or unwanted substances from a surface using water or a cleaning agent like soap. It often refers to the act of cleaning something by rinsing it.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "wash off" can also refer to the removal of certain substances or materials in specific fields. For example: - In cooking, you might "wash off" fruits and vegetables to remove pesticides or dirt. - In gardening, you might "wash off" your tools to prevent the spread of diseases between plants.

Word Variants:

• Washing off (present participle): "I am washing off the car."
• Washed off (past tense): "He washed off the chalk from the blackboard."

Different Meanings:

While "wash off" primarily means to clean by rinsing, it can also imply the gradual removal of something over time, such as: - "The rain will wash off the dirt from the sidewalk."

Synonyms:

1. Rinse off
2. Clean off
3. Remove
4. Scrub off

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Wash away: This can mean to remove something completely, especially with the implication of water carrying something away (e.g., "The heavy rain washed away the dirt on the road.").
• Scrub off: This suggests a more vigorous cleaning process, often implying the use of a brush or cloth.

Summary:

"Wash off" is a useful phrase to know when discussing cleaning and hygiene. Remember, it involves using water or a liquid cleaning agent to remove unwanted materials.

Academic

Verb

1. remove by the application of water or other liquid and soap or some other cleaning agent
   • he washed the dirt from his coat
   • The nurse washed away the blood
   • Can you wash away the spots on the windows?
   • he managed to wash out the stains

Synonyms

• wash
• wash out
• wash away