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slack off
/slæk ɒf/◆phrasal verb
to reduce effort or work
The team started to slack off after the project deadline passed.
The team reduced their effort after the project was completed.
informal
To work or perform less diligently or with less effort than usual.
He was caught slacking off during the meeting.
He was caught not paying attention or working hard during the meeting.
Students often slack off when the teacher isn't looking.
Students often reduce their effort or stop working when the teacher isn't supervising.
This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to describe someone who is being lazy or not putting in enough effort.
Collocations
slack off onto reduce effort in a specific areaslack off fromto stop doing something regularly
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
Use 'slack off' in informal settings, such as with friends or colleagues, but avoid using it in formal or professional contexts.
Gold Rule
Avoid Negative Connotations
Be mindful that 'slack off' can imply laziness or lack of commitment, so use it carefully in professional settings.
Word Origin
The phrase 'slack off' combines 'slack,' meaning loose or not tight, with 'off,' meaning to stop or reduce. It metaphorically describes reducing effort or work.
Usage Notes
This phrase is informal and often used in casual or workplace settings to describe someone who is not working as hard as they should.
Word Breakdown
slack
loose or not tight
rootoff
to stop or reduce
particleEnglish Dictionary