spirit off

spirit off

To take, sneak, or carry someone or something away in a mysterious, secretive, or furtive manner. A noun or pronoun can be used between "spirit" and "off." Often used in passive constructions. Someone spirited off the suspect just before he was due to be arraigned in court. Evidence of the politician's involvement in the scandal appears to have been spirited off. The sneaky child spirited the candy off while no one was looking.
See also: off, spirit
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

spirit someone or something off (to some place)

to hurry someone or something away, presumably unnoticed, to another place. Aunt Jane spirited the children off to bed at half-past eight. She spirited off the leftover roast beef.
See also: off, spirit
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • not do (someone or oneself) any favors
  • rescue from
  • rescue from (someone or something)
  • identify with
  • attune to
  • ask back
  • orient
  • orient to
  • orient to (something)
  • involved with
References in periodicals archive
Common Denominators: The church "off CHRIST is a company off faithful people." These people are "separated from the word by the word & Spirit off God." These people are knit "unto the LORD, & one another, by Baptisme." This baptism takes place "upon their owne confession of the faith ...
The power of Baptist origins: a little Baptist church in the Appalachian Mountains gave me my basic spiritual education until I went to college
Spirit off the shoulder silver satin cami (pounds 30), silver sequin skirt (pounds 60)
RETAIL STYLE: Deb of the year
From his birth, the Wind has been with him, teasing his golden hair and taking his spirit off to fly among the meadows and chimney pots of Branion.
Patton, Fiona. The golden sword
"I don't think I'll ever cut Dany's spirit off completely."
Thrones' Emilia I dream of dragons
It's a superb signing on the pitch stacked with importance and galvanising spirit off it.
Madness? No way, it's a magical move; The sceptics couldn't believe Stewart Downing would want to come home - but he has! DOMINIC SHAW looks at why the switch was so appealing
He made it instantly obvious how much he liked my aggressive style on the pitch, although he misinterpreted how far I was prepared to extend my fighting spirit off it.
How Rafa gave me his blessing to take a swipe at players who didn't try; JAMIE CARRAGHER EXCLUSIVE Part Two of Carra's great new book
Graydon's first quest was to create a real team spirit off the pitch.
Football: Saddlers ride high with Graydon; Bescot ship turned round and cruising
Jura Distillery assistant manager Willie Cochrane said yesterday that, without a vehicle ferry to move waste products and spirit off the island, it was impossible to continue production.
Whisky sour in ferry crisis
"Even in training sessions, there is a good atmosphere as everyone works hard and works together and team spirit off the field ends up working its magic on the pitch.
Lamp light put a shine on Castillo; Frank assessment brought a broad smile to Ecuadorian star's face
Everyone talks about the fantastic spirit off the field.
Football: I'd give England 6 1/2 /10 this year; HE NAMES HIS TOP 50 PLAYERS BOSS: MUST DO BETTER
Don't shake, get the correct lens, quality, light and clarity and you'll send the spirit off. Fail and you are doomed.
The Razz: Games reviews - PROJECT ZERO 2: CRIMSON BUTTERFLY HHIII XBOX
The warning comes after pirates attacked luxury cruise liner Seabourn Spirit off the coast of Africa last month with guns and rockets.
THE NEW TERROR TARGET; Cruise ships and tankers 'vulnerable to al-Qaeda'