saw off

The phrase 'saw off' has multiple meanings, from physical cutting to various figurative uses, particularly in British English.

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Definition

B1Carpentry

(general)To cut something off using a saw.

Example

He had to saw off the excess wood to fit the new shelf.

B2Travel

(informal)To accompany someone to a departure point to bid them farewell.

Example

She saw her friend off at the airport.

C1Conflict

(British, informal)To drive someone away from a place.

Example

The residents saw off the intruders.

C1Competition

(British, informal)To defeat or stop an opponent.

Example

They saw off their rivals in the final match.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "saw off":

chop off hack off cut off cut down chop out chop down cut down to size chop up cut short hack away saw logs bite off get the chop head off chew off cut away cut to pieces shoot off break off cut into chop it up gun off take someone's head off rack off cut up hacked off hook off cut through cut across