What are the definitions of “rake off”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Cheat someone by charging them too much.
They RAKE tourists OFF all the time.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “rake off”?
The phrasal verb rake off means to cheat someone by charging them too much money. It often refers to taking advantage of someone, especially tourists or people who are not familiar with the local prices.
What are the different verb forms of “rake off”?
| Root Verb | rake off |
| Third Person Singular Present | rakes off |
| Present Participle | raking off |
| Simple Past | raked off |
| Past Participle | raked off |
Example
The shopkeeper tried to rake off the tourists by overcharging them.
Example
He rakes off unsuspecting customers by inflating the prices.
Example
She is raking off the tourists by selling them overpriced souvenirs.
Example
The taxi driver raked off the passengers by charging them double the normal fare.
Example
Many tourists have been raked off by dishonest vendors.
What kind of phrasal verb is “rake off”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“rake off” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The store owner raked off the tourists by charging them too much.
Example
He raked the tourists off by selling them overpriced items.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“rake off” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The store owner raked off the tourists by charging them too much.
Example
He raked the tourists off by selling them overpriced items.
Good things to know
Does “rake off” have an informal or formal tone?
Rake off is an informal phrasal verb that is typically used in casual conversations. It is not suitable for formal settings or academic writing. In more formal contexts, consider using synonyms such as 'overcharge' or 'exploit'.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “rake off”?
Synonyms
- overcharge
- cheat
- exploit
- swindle
- fleece
- rip off
- gouge
Antonyms
- undercharge
- discount
- reduce
- lower
- decrease
- fair price
