head off

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

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

Example Sentences

Should candidates of any and every persuasion feel free to emulate Trump and lie their heads off?

From Los Angeles Times

With Rife heading off a lucrative year and into his Stay Golden Tour, it’s clear that for him, comedy has become much more.

From Los Angeles Times

He said the robber told him if he tried anything, “they were going to blow my head off.”

From Los Angeles Times

“You’re much better off here than in the US right now,” says the 74-year-old in the park before heading off to stretch.

From BBC

“You can’t just get rid of all the stuff in the federal government without people screaming their heads off,” Kamarck said.

From Los Angeles Times