head off

British  

verb

1. to intercept and force to change direction

   to head off the stampede

2. to prevent or forestall (something that is likely to happen)

3. to depart or set out

   to head off to school

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head off Idioms  

1. Block the progress or completion of; also, intercept. For example, They worked round the clock to head off the flu epidemic, or Try to head him off before he gets home. [First half of 1800s] This expression gave rise to head someone off at the pass, which in Western films meant “to block someone at a mountain pass.” It then became a general colloquialism for intercepting someone, as in Jim is going to the boss's office—let's head him off at the pass.

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Example Sentences

He travelled home to Greenock to spend two weeks with his family before preparing to head off to the US with no concerns about his visa status.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

The trip passed pleasantly and as we entered the London station, all preparing to head off, she leaned over and quietly said, “That’s what I love about you Americans. You talk on trains.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

I do not envy anyone who has found themselves in a position where they feel the need to preemptively head off charges of idolatry.

From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026

The staunchly antiunion Ford also hoped it would head off attempts at labor organizing.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

He’s still here, minding everybody’s business and vlogging his head off.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman