get off on (something)
1. slang To be or become particularly excited by or enthusiastic about something, especially in, or likened to, a sexual manner. It seems like Kaya gets off on the power of her new corporate management role. I don't know why you get off on going to the gym every day—it just seems like a chore to me! Of course Lou gets off on telling us what to do. Who doesn't love having minions to boss around?
2. slang To become high from taking a particular drug. I guess I don't inhale well because I never seem to get off on pot. That guy is acting so erratically that he must have gotten off on something before the concert. Did you guys see him take anything? Once you start developing a tolerance, you're going to need more and more H to get off on it.
3. To be acquitted of or escape punishment for some crime or wrongdoing because of some legal reason or ruling. Despite damning video evidence, the suspect got off on a misdemeanor and was set free. Everyone knew she was guilty, but she got off on a mistrial because of a problem with how the evidence had been collected. Wow, I did not expect that creep to get off on a not guilty verdict.
4. To cause or allow someone to be acquitted of or escape punishment for some crime or wrongdoing because of some legal reason or ruling. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "get" and "off." The CEO hired a really slick lawyer who got him off on a technicality. If there was a problem with how the evidence was collected, does that mean you guys can get me off on a mistrial? My son absolutely cannot go to jail, so you have to get him off on any legal grounds you can find, understand me?
5. To have a positive or favorable start to some journey, process, undertaking, etc. Used especially in the phrase "get off on the right/front foot." I really want to get off on the right foot this semester, so I've been starting on all my assignments as soon as they've been handed out. The team seems to have gotten off on the right track so far this season. That candidate really needs to get off on the front foot during the debate, if he wants to stay in the running.
6. To cause or help someone have such a positive or favorable start. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "get" and "off." The victory certainly got us off on the right road this early on in the season. We've hired a tutor to help get Brian off on the right foot. Sir, increased funding will help us get off on the right foot with our research.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
get off on
1. Feel the effects of or take a mind-altering drug. For example, He was getting off on crack. [Slang; 1930s]
2. Enjoy, derive intense pleasure from, as in I really get off on good jazz. [Slang; c. 1970]
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.