head off
Cut them off
To head off is to intercept or prevent something before it happens or arrives.
You might head off a crisis by acting early, or head off a runaway horse by blocking its path.
The phrase suggests getting ahead of something to stop or redirect it: We need to head off any complaints before the meeting.
She headed him off at the door.
Prevent by prior action
block · nip in the bud · preclude · obviate · circumvent · avoid · deter · check
Intercept to confront
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- stopCease all motion
- catchSeize or snag
confront · detain · corner · halt · obstruct · seize · trap · arrest
Sanctioned time away
go · hit the road · get going · move out · venture · strike out · sally forth · proceed
forestall
Prevent by prior action
stop · block · nip in the bud · preclude · obviate · circumvent · avoid · deter · check · counteract
waylay
Intercept to confront
catch · confront · detain · corner · halt · obstruct · seize · trap · arrest · apprehend
leave
Sanctioned time away
depart · go · hit the road · get going · move out · venture · strike out · sally forth · proceed · make tracks
head offchase
Rapid following of quarry
pursue · follow · chase down · tail · trail
head offallow
Grant permission for
permit · enable · facilitate · encourage · precipitate