trade off
1. To exchange something in return for some other thing as part of a deal or compromise. I'd be willing to trade off some of my salary for the ability to work three days a week, to be honest.
2. To take turns doing something. We all trade off various chores around the house each week.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
trade something off
1. Lit. to get rid of something in an exchange. I traded my car off. I traded off my old car for a new one.
2. Fig. to sacrifice something in an exchange. You may end up trading job security off for more money. Don't trade off your job security.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
trade off
Exchange one thing for another, especially as a compromise. For example, They were willing to trade off some vacation for the freedom to work flexible hours. This idiom gave rise to tradeoff for "an exchange." [First half of 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
trade off
v. To take turns: My roommate and I trade off washing the dishes.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.