Pair off
verb
To come together in pairs, or to make people or things come together in pairs.
At the start of the dance, students began to pair off.
Often appears as...
- pair off for the dance
- pair off romantically
verb
To leave a larger group and form a pair with someone.
Two of the friends paired off and left the party early.
Often appears as...
- pair off and leave
- pair off with someone
phrase
Used to distribute people or things into pairs.
The teacher asked the students to pair off for the project.
Often appears as...
- pair off for the project
- pair off the students
Usage tips
Academic
verb
To come together in pairs, or to make people or things come together in pairs.
At the start of the dance, students began to pair off.
Often appears as...
- pair off for the dance
- pair off romantically
verb
To leave a larger group and form a pair with someone.
Two of the friends paired off and left the party early.
Often appears as...
- pair off and leave
- pair off with someone
phrase
Used to distribute people or things into pairs.
The teacher asked the students to pair off for the project.
Often appears as...
- pair off for the project
- pair off the students
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Social Situations
Often used when people group up for social activities like dancing or games.
Let's pair off and practice the new steps.
Pro Tip 2/2Romantic Implication
May suggest people are forming romantic relationships or dating.
It looks like John and Lisa paired off after the party.
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