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off-the-rackready-made; available for immediate purchase without customization

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: ready-made; available for immediate purchase without customization

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌɔːf ðə ˈræk/

Example Sentences

  • The groom was so late that he had to settle for an off-the-rack tuxedo that made him look like a penguin at his own wedding.
  • Most companies prefer off-the-rack software solutions rather than developing custom applications.
  • She tried on the off-the-rack dress and joked that it fit her like a potato sack with sleeves.

off-the-rack

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌɔːf ðə ˈræk/]

ready-made; available for immediate purchase without customization

ready-made; available for immediate purchase without customization
💡 Concept

ready-made; available for immediate purchase without customization

Grab off-the-rack, don't look back, rush to the track!
🎵 Rhyme

Grab off-the-rack, don't look back, rush to the track!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌɔːf ðə ˈræk/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌɒf ðə ˈræk/

🌳Etymology

Origin

This phrase originated in 20th-century American English, referring to ready-made clothing that could be purchased directly from display racks in retail stores. It developed as a contrasting concept to custom-made or tailor-made garments, emphasizing immediate availability and mass production.

Breakdown

off (away from) + the (definite article) + rack (a framework or stand for displaying merchandise). The compound idiomatically denotes garments taken directly from retail display stands without customization.

🎵Rhyme

rackbackpacktrack
rack
back
pack
track

🔗Collocations

off-the-rack clothing
off-the-rack suit
off-the-rack solution
buy off-the-rack
off-the-rack price

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The groom was so late that he had to settle for an off-the-rack tuxedo that made him look like a penguin at his own wedding.

Most companies prefer off-the-rack software solutions rather than developing custom applications.

😄 Fun example

She tried on the off-the-rack dress and joked that it fit her like a potato sack with sleeves.

Off-the-rack furniture is more affordable but may not fit your specific space requirements.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

ready-mademass-producedstandardgenericprefabricated

Antonyms

custom-madetailoredbespoke

Related

retailready-to-wearmanufacturedcommercial

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