leech off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leech off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who takes advantage of someone else's resources without contributing anything themselves. For example, "My brother has been leeching off of me ever since he lost his job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

A guy tells another guy, "You leech off mommy, then you leech off welfare, then you leech off the government in jail".

The New Yorker

He said that there was "something wrong with the tax system" if it allowed online giants such as Amazon to "leech off the taxpayer".

The Times

To get the leech off, Mr. Plucinski has to thrum it on the back so its skin ripples like a water balloon and it rolls off.

The New York Times

"It didn't start out as a moneymaking venture; it wasn't an attempt to leech off the 'American Idol' brand," Mr. Della Terza said.

The New York Times

These songs then attract the attention of pop vanguardists searching for a way to capture – or, if you like, leech off – the zeitgeist.

The Guardian - Music

Now at screenings and junkets, the critics whose witty, elegant work is informed by a lifetime's viewing and writing, sit cheek by jowl with garden-variety bottom feeders who seem to be mainly there to leech off the free food.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

I just leeched off of them".

The New Yorker

I don't want to be working in an industry that effectively leeches off other industries".

The New York Times

He wasn't suggesting that bailed-out autoworkers were leeching off taxpayers.

The New York Times

Everyone is leeching off their brand," said the PR mogul Mark Borkowski.

Independent

The ones you never use may still be leeching off your personal data, so you should disable them.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leech off" to describe situations where someone is unfairly benefiting from another's resources or efforts. For instance, "The company was accused of leeching off the local community by exploiting its natural resources."

Common error

Avoid using "leech off" when a mutually beneficial relationship exists. The phrase implies an imbalance where one party is unfairly exploiting the other. Do not use it when describing legitimate business partnerships or voluntary collaborations.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "leech off" functions as a descriptor of an exploitative relationship, where one entity benefits unfairly at the expense of another. Ludwig confirms its appropriate usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "leech off" describes situations where someone unfairly benefits from another's resources. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, primarily in news and media contexts. The phrase carries a negative connotation and is best used when expressing disapproval of exploitative relationships. Consider alternatives like "take advantage of" or "sponge off" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When writing, ensure that "leech off" is reserved for genuinely unfair situations and not misapplied to mutually beneficial partnerships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sponge off

Implies depending on someone else for financial support or resources without contributing.

freeload

Indicates enjoying benefits or services without paying or contributing.

exploit

This term indicates using someone or something for one's own advantage, often unfairly.

take advantage of

This suggests using a situation or person for one's own benefit, possibly in an unethical way.

parasitize

Describes living off another organism or entity, often causing harm.

live off

Suggests relying on something or someone for sustenance or support.

milk

This describes extracting value or resources from someone or something, often excessively.

be a burden on

Describes causing hardship or strain due to reliance.

capitalize on

Focuses on using an opportunity to gain an advantage.

bleed dry

Implies draining someone of their resources or energy.

FAQs

How can I use "leech off" in a sentence?

You can use "leech off" to describe someone who takes advantage of another's resources or generosity without contributing fairly. For instance, "He was accused of trying to "sponge off" his wealthy relatives."

What does it mean to "leech off" someone?

To "leech off" someone means to unfairly benefit from their resources, efforts, or generosity without providing adequate compensation or contributing equitably. It suggests a parasitic relationship.

What are some alternatives to saying "leech off"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "exploit", "take advantage of", or "freeload". Each carries slightly different nuances but conveys the idea of unfair benefit.

Is it always negative to say someone is "leeching off" something?

Yes, using the phrase "leech off" almost always carries a negative connotation. It implies exploitation and unfair burdening. It is typically reserved for situations where the imbalance is seen as morally questionable.