bid off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bid off" is not commonly used in standard written English and may not be widely recognized.
It can be used in specific contexts, such as in auctions or bidding scenarios, where it refers to the act of withdrawing a bid or offering. Example: "After considering the other bids, I decided to bid off my initial offer and submit a higher one."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He expended much time and effort in 2008 marshalling arguments to see the bid off, believing that it seriously undervalued Rio and that his company was better alone.

The Economist

One common practice is for auctioneers to "bid off the chandelier," or quickly call off nonexistent bids to build momentum toward the reserve until someone in the room actually jumps in.

Forbes

"We have taken our bid off the table and have no intention of putting it back on in the short or distant future," said Paul Lancey, senior vice president of the Islanders.

The New York Times - Sports

Staggering No quarter given Out of captivity Feverish The cost of ideas Growing pains of the Cisco kid Reprints Related items Gold: DisharmonyOct 21st 2004Mr Swanepoel has written to his rival, Ian Cockerill, offering peace talks, and been briskly told to take his bid off Gold Fields' lawn.

The Economist

Take-two added that it is considering an alternative to find the best value for shareholders, but they may wonder why EA would take its bid off the table if it was worried about a competing offer.

Forbes

He will be delighted to get his season-ending championship bid off to a successful start - and extend his 2011 win-loss record to 70-4 - following a string of physical issues since New York.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"In Quito, his participation was counterproductive," says Juan Carlos Donoso, a political scientist at Universidad San Francisco de Quito.The final weeks of campaigning coincided with protests by doctors over a malpractice law and a farcical government investigation of a cartoonist, pushing Mr Barrera's re-election bid off-course.

The Economist

The works were bidded off at Sotheby's, to which Vo was the winning bidder.

Vice

After several speeches by owners of foreclosed homes, the group held a public "auction," bidding off Stumpf's home.

Huffington Post

The company saved $9 million through reverse auctions alone -- Internet bid-offs in which companies post what they want to buy and suppliers bid for the contract.

The New York Times

The bid set off much excited talk.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bid off", ensure the context is clear, especially in auction-related scenarios. Consider whether a more common alternative like "withdraw" or "retract" might enhance clarity for a broader audience.

Common error

Avoid using "bid off" when you mean to initiate a bidding process. Instead, use phrases like "start bidding" or "kick off the bidding". "Bid off" usually implies withdrawing a bid or derailing an initiative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bid off" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It describes the action of withdrawing a bid or offer, or causing something to be diverted from its intended course. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, its usage can vary depending on the context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bid off" is a phrasal verb that mainly signifies the withdrawal of a bid or offer. Though "bid off" appears across several sources, including The Economist and The New York Times, its meaning and appropriate usage can be nuanced. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is acceptable, but also highlights the risk of misinterpreting it as "start bidding". Therefore, it's crucial to ensure the context is clear when employing this phrase. Related phrases such as "withdraw a bid" or "retract an offer" may serve as clearer alternatives depending on the situation. Finally, while generally neutral in register, "bid off" appears to be more common in news and media contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

withdraw a bid

Emphasizes the action of taking back a formal offer.

retract an offer

Similar to withdrawing a bid, but applicable in a broader range of situations.

take off the table

Indicates that a proposal or offer is no longer under consideration.

abandon an attempt

Focuses on ceasing an effort or pursuit.

derail an effort

Signifies causing an effort to go off course or fail.

call off the auction

Specific to auction settings, meaning to cancel the event.

cancel the offer

A more general term for revoking an offer.

nullify the proposal

To make a proposal invalid or without legal force.

reject the proposition

To refuse to accept a suggestion or proposal.

kick off

This phrase refers to the commencement of an event or activity, representing the opposite end of the spectrum from withdrawing.

FAQs

What does "bid off" mean?

"Bid off" can mean to withdraw a bid, or, in auction contexts, to create momentum with nonexistent bids. It can also refer to something being derailed or thrown off course.

When is it appropriate to use "bid off"?

Use "bid off" when describing the act of withdrawing a bid, or in the specific context of auctions where false bids are called out to increase interest. If you want to say "start bidding", use a different phrase.

Are there alternatives to "bid off"?

Yes, alternatives include "withdraw a bid", "retract an offer", or "take off the table" depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

How can I avoid misusing "bid off"?

Ensure the context is clear. If you intend to convey withdrawal or cancellation, "bid off" may be suitable. If you mean to initiate something, consider alternatives like "kick off" or "start bidding".