Tee Off Meaning: How to Use the Idiomatic Phrase “Tee Off” in a Sentence?

Last updated on June 17, 2024 by Liam Daniel

What does the common idiom “Tee Off” mean? If you are an avid fan of the sport of golf, then you are probably familiar with this phrase. However, it doesn’t always mean to hit a golf ball off a tee. Here you will learn the idiomatic meaning of this phrase and discover the origin of it. You will also see some example sentences and conversations to help you better understand the meaning. Lastly, the article will be summed up with some synonymous words or phrases that you can use in place of this phrase to convey the same meaning.

Tee Off

Tee Off Meaning

This idiomatic phrase means to start or begin something new. The phrase can also mean that someone is pissed off or irritated.

Origin of this idiomatic phrase

The idiom originated from the world of golf. At the beginning of any hole on a golf course, players must place their ball atop a tee and hit the ball to start the process of getting the ball to the hole. The initial hit starts the count on par and ends when the ball makes it into the hole. The idiom used in this sense has been used since at least the 1900s to mean the beginning of something. When the idiom is used per the second meaning stated above, it has been traced back to the mid-1900s as well.

“Tee Off” Examples

Sentence Examples

  • We need to tee off if we are going to get this meeting done on time.
  • It is a good idea not to tee off a sleeping dog or it may lash out and bite you.
  • When will the professor tee off his law course?
  • Before you tee off, I have something really amazing to show you!

Conversation Examples

A conversation between mother and daughter.

  • Mother: What is wrong with you?
  • Daughter: I am just really teed off at the moment mom, but I will get over it.
  • Mother: Why are you upset?
  • Daughter: Because Ryan accused me of doing something that I didn’t do today and then he broke up with me.

A conversation between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: I think we should tee off so we can end this meeting on time.
  • Co-worker 2: The whole team is not here yet though.
  • Co-worker 1: We will just have to fill them in on what they missed when they arrive.
  • Co-worker 2: I think we should give them five more minutes so we don’t have to repeat anything.
  • Co-worker 1: Fair enough! We will begin in five.

Synonyms for “Tee Off”

There are several synonymous words or phrases that you could use to replace the usage of this idiom in conversation, Some of the other similar words or phrases that you could use include:

  • Start
  • Begin
  • Piss off

Definition of “Tee Off” | Picture

Tee Off

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