Be Off-Book

Pronunciation: /bi ɒf-bʊk/

Definitions of be off-book

verb To have memorized one's lines in a play or performance, so that the script is no longer needed

Example Sentences

A1 I need to be off-book for my English exam.

A2 She was off-book for the play after weeks of practice.

B1 The actors must be off-book before the dress rehearsal.

B2 It's important for the performers to be off-book before opening night.

C1 The lead actor is always off-book well before the rest of the cast.

C2 Being off-book is a sign of professionalism in the acting world.

Examples of be off-book in a Sentence

formal It is important for actors to be off-book before the dress rehearsal.

informal Hey, have you guys all managed to be off-book for the scene yet?

slang I need to be off-book by tomorrow or I'm screwed.

figurative I need to be off-book in my presentation so I can speak confidently.

Grammatical Forms of be off-book

• past tense: was off-book
• plural: are off-book
• comparative: more off-book
• superlative: most off-book
• present tense: is off-book
• future tense: will be off-book
• perfect tense: has been off-book
• continuous tense: is being off-book
• singular: is off-book
• positive degree: off-book
• infinitive: to be off-book
• gerund: being off-book
• participle: off-booked

Origin and Evolution of be off-book

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'be off-book' originated in the world of theater, specifically referring to actors who have memorized their lines and no longer need to rely on the script during rehearsals or performances.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'be off-book' has come to be used more broadly outside of the theater context to mean being prepared or knowledgeable about a particular subject without needing to reference external sources.