off the cuff — without preparation or prior thought; spontaneously; impromptu
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: without preparation or prior thought; spontaneously; impromptu
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɔːf ðə kʌf/
Example Sentences
- The comedian's best jokes were always off the cuff.
- When asked about his secret recipe, the chef gave an off-the-cuff answer: 'Love and a pinch of panic!'
- Her off-the-cuff presentation impressed the board more than prepared speeches.
off the cuff
ADVERB[/ɔːf ðə kʌf/]
without preparation or prior thought; spontaneously; impromptu
💡 Concept
without preparation or prior thought; spontaneously; impromptu
🎵 Rhyme
Off the cuff, he handles questions both tough and rough!
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🎤Pronunciation
🇺🇸 US/ɔːf ðə kʌf/
🇬🇧 UK/ɒf ðə kʌf/
🌳Etymology
🎵Rhyme
toughroughenoughstuff
tough
rough
enough
stuff
🔗Collocations
off-the-cuff remarks
off-the-cuff response
speak off the cuff
off-the-cuff performance
answer off the cuff
off-the-cuff comment
make off-the-cuff decisions
📝Examples
“The comedian's best jokes were always off the cuff.”
😄 Fun example
“When asked about his secret recipe, the chef gave an off-the-cuff answer: 'Love and a pinch of panic!'”
“Her off-the-cuff presentation impressed the board more than prepared speeches.”
“I can't give you an exact figure off the cuff, but I'll check and get back to you.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
spontaneousimpromptuextemporaneousunplannedimprovised
Antonyms
preparedrehearsedplanned
Related
ad-libimprovisespontaneityunrehearsedspur-of-the-moment
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