Go off on Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡoʊ/ /ˈɔf/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
GOH-awf-AWN
ɡˈəʊ/ /ˈɒf/ /ˈɒn
goh-OFF-ON
Definition
To suddenly become very angry and speak to someone in a loud or harsh way, often unexpectedly. It usually means to criticize or scold someone intensely.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used to describe emotional reactions. 'Go off on someone' means to strongly criticize or scold a specific person. Not physical violence—only verbal. Common in American English. Often used when anger is unexpected or seems excessive.
Spanish: regañar fuertemente - explotar de enojo - atacar verbalmentePortuguese (BR): dar uma bronca - explodir (emocionalmente) - criticar severamentePortuguese (PT): dar uma bronca - explodir (emocionalmente) - criticar severamenteChinese (Simplified): 对...大发雷霆 - 狠批Chinese (Traditional): 對...大發雷霆 - 狠批Hindi: किसी पर गुस्सा निकालना - ज़ोर से डाँटनाArabic: ينفجر في وجه (شخص) - يوبّخ بشدةBengali: ঝাঁঝে পড়া - তেড়ে কথা বলাRussian: наорать - накричать - разнестиJapanese: 激しく叱る - 怒鳴りつけるVietnamese: quát mắng - nổi đóaKorean: 버럭 화를 내다 - 심하게 혼내다Turkish: azarlamak - fırça atmakUrdu: ڈانٹنا - غصہ میں آناIndonesian: memarahi - meluapkan amarah
Example Sentences
My mom went off on me for not cleaning my room.
basic
The coach went off on the players after the game.
basic
He went off on his friend during lunch.
basic
I didn't expect my boss to go off on me in front of everyone.
natural
Whoa, why did you just go off on him like that?
natural
She tends to go off on people when she's stressed out.
natural