Differences between make off and pick off
Make off means to leave quickly or escape, while pick off means to remove something from a larger group one by one.
Meanings and Definitions: make off vs pick off
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Make off
- 1Leave somewhere in a hurry.
They MADE OFF when they heard the police siren.
Pick off
- 1Target individuals to change a group.
There were many rebels against the policy, but the government PICKED OFF the leaders.
Usage Examples: make off, pick off in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
make off
Example
The thieves made off with the stolen goods.
Example
He makes off as soon as he sees the security guard.
pick off
Example
The sniper was able to pick off the enemy soldiers one by one.
Example
She picks off the best players from the opposing team.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make off
To run away suddenly and quickly, often to avoid danger or trouble.
Example
The horse bolted when it heard the loud noise and ran into the nearby field.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pick off
To remove something from a larger group one by one, often with care or precision.
Example
She plucked the ripe apples from the tree and put them in a basket.
To remove or take out something, often with effort or difficulty.
Example
The dentist had to extract the decayed tooth to prevent further damage.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “make”
Phrasal Verbs with “pick”
Differences in make off vs pick off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: make off or pick off?
In daily conversation, people use make off more often than pick off. This is because make off is used to describe situations where someone leaves quickly or escapes, which can happen frequently in everyday life. On the other hand, pick off is less common and is mainly used in specific contexts such as hunting or sports.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of make off and pick off
Make off and pick off are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, pick off may be more appropriate in formal settings such as academic or professional contexts where precision of language is important.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of make off and pick off
The tone of make off and pick off can differ based on context. Make off often carries a negative or urgent tone when related to escaping or stealing, while pick off typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to sports or hunting.
