I.off [Brit ɒf, Am ɔf, ɑf]Ninf(start)Off is often found as the second element in verb combinations (fall off, run off etc.) and in offensive interjections (clear off etc.). For translations consult the appropriate verb entry (fall off, run off, clear off etc.). off is used in certain expressions such as off limits, off piste etc. and translations for these will be found under the noun entry (limit, piste etc.). For other uses of off see the entry below.
I.on [Brit ɒn, Am ɑn, ɔn]PREPWhen on is used as a straightforward preposition expressing position (on the beach, on the table) it is generally translated by sur: sur la plage, sur la table; on it is translated by dessus: there's a table over there, put the key on it = il y a une table là-bas, mets la clé dessus. on is often used in verb combinations in English (depend on, rely on, cotton on etc.). For translations, consult the appropriate verb entry (depend, rely, cotton on etc.). If you have doubts about how to translate a phrase or expression beginning with on (on demand, on impulse, on top etc.) consult the appropriate noun or other entry (demand, impulse, top etc.). This dictionary contains usage notes on such topics as dates, islands, rivers etc. Many of these use the preposition on. For the index to these notes . For examples of the above and further uses of on, see the entry below.
But heavy rain can turn to torrents sluicing off sun-baked desert or pavement into miles of flood channels constructed to protect homes and businesses.
