off my wife

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "off my wife" is grammatically correct but context-dependent in written English.
It can be used in informal contexts, often to express a desire for someone to stop bothering or interfering with one's spouse. Example: "I wish you would just back off my wife and let her make her own decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Meanwhile, "Lay off my wife," he pleaded.

The Economist

I had just dropped off my wife, Leanie, and gone for some petrol.

The Guardian - Sport

He cooks because "it takes some of the load off my wife" and because "it is so fulfilling to make other people happy".

The New York Times

COOK'S DAY OFF My wife is an amazing cook, but we usually order in on Sundays — everybody gets a day off.

The New York Times

As we drove off, my wife tapped the horn lightly and said to me, "I had the last horn".

The New York Times

"I live off my wife's pension".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

This seemed to rub off on my wife and me, and whenever we were in our room we found ourselves speaking in low voices.

The New Yorker

First, I need to marry off my former wife, Lyudmila Alexandrovna, and then think about myself.

Huffington Post

I'd also like to clarify here that this is purely metaphorical and I wouldn't drop off my fictional wife on the side of a highway unless, of course, there was some very exclusive club she wanted to get into and the only way to get in was to be thrown out of a moving car near a highway.

Huffington Post

"It's cold out there.… Let's not get worked up about it, all right?" (He made a bizarrely sarcastic joke about another woman: his fifty-six-year-old former wife. Asked when the country will see its new First Lady, Putin said, "I need to marry off my ex-wife Lyudmila first, and then I'll think about myself").

The New Yorker

"Let me off," said my wife.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "off my wife" to firmly but informally express that someone should stop interfering with or bothering your wife. It is best used in contexts where directness is appreciated.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "off my wife" in formal settings such as business meetings or official correspondence. It's more appropriate for casual conversations or when addressing someone directly in a personal context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "off my wife" primarily functions as an imperative, aiming to stop someone's actions towards the speaker's wife. It stems from a possessive and protective stance, directing the addressed individual to cease interference. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown/unmatched sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "off my wife" is a direct and informal way to tell someone to stop bothering or interfering with your wife. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While effective in conveying a strong message, it's essential to reserve this phrase for informal settings where directness is valued. More formal alternatives like "leave my wife alone" or "stop harassing my wife" are better suited for professional environments. Overall, it is an infrequent expression, primarily found in news and media contexts to signal a protective stance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Leave my wife alone

A direct and forceful way to demand someone to stop bothering your wife.

Back off from my wife

Indicates a need for someone to retreat from an interaction or pursuit involving your wife.

Stop harassing my wife

Emphasizes unwanted and aggressive behavior towards your wife.

Let my wife be

Requests that someone allow your wife to exist without interference.

Don't bother my wife

A polite yet firm request for someone to cease disturbing your wife.

Give my wife some space

Asks for someone to provide emotional or physical distance for your wife.

Keep away from my wife

Implies a need for physical or emotional distance from your wife.

Stay away from my wife

Similar to 'keep away' but can suggest a more permanent separation.

Desist from contacting my wife

A formal way to request someone to stop communicating with your wife.

Cease and desist bothering my wife

A legalistic way to command someone to stop annoying or harassing your wife.

FAQs

What does "off my wife" mean?

The phrase "off my wife" means to stop bothering, harassing, or interfering with someone's wife. It's a direct way to tell someone to leave her alone.

What can I say instead of "off my wife"?

You can use alternatives like "leave my wife alone", "stop harassing my wife", or "don't bother my wife" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "off my wife" in a formal setting?

No, "off my wife" is an informal phrase and not suitable for professional or formal environments. Use more polite and respectful language in those situations.

How can I politely ask someone to leave my wife alone?

You can politely say something like, "I would appreciate it if you didn't involve my wife in this" or "Please direct your concerns to me, not my wife."