work off
Burn through effort
To work off something is to eliminate it through effort or activity.
You work off a debt by laboring until it's paid: He worked off what he owed by doing odd jobs around the farm.
You work off calories, stress, or anger through physical exertion: I need to work off that second slice of cake.
The phrase implies gradual reduction through sustained effort rather than instant removal.
Measures of food energy
- treadmillMotorized walking platform
- joggingSlow-paced locomotion exercise
- cyclingRiding on two wheels
- swimmingLocomotion through water
aerobics · cardio · gym · sweat · burn · calisthenics · rowing · elliptical
Heated water's gaseous form
- energyPower to do work
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- tensionStretched or strained state
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
anger · aggression · anxiety · restlessness · nerves · agitation · emotion · adrenaline
Reward beyond expectation
- commissionPayment for services rendered
- advanceMove or progress forward
- wagesPayment for work
- hoursSixty-minute spans
overtime · time · shift · payment · earnings · contract · obligation · debt
Substance removal process
- hangoverPost-drinking illness
- bingeBout of excess
- excessSurplus beyond need
- toxinsHarmful biological substances
cleanse · sobriety · abstinence · purge · withdrawal · overindulgence · system · flush
Giving back what's owed
- loanBorrowed money repaid later
- installmentPeriodic partial payment
- principalChief school administrator
- mortgageSecured home loan
balance · arrears · dues · obligation · liability · creditor · interest · amortization
calories
Measures of food energy
swimming · aerobics · cardio · gym · sweat · burn · calisthenics · rowing · elliptical · spinning
steam
Heated water's gaseous form
- energyPower to do work
- frustrationDispleasure from blocked efforts
- tensionStretched or strained state
stress · anger · aggression · anxiety · restlessness · nerves · agitation · emotion · adrenaline · pent-up
bonus
Reward beyond expectation
- commissionPayment for services rendered
- advanceMove or progress forward
- wagesPayment for work
hours · overtime · time · shift · payment · earnings · contract · obligation · debt
detox
Substance removal process
toxins · cleanse · sobriety · abstinence · purge · withdrawal · overindulgence · system · flush
repayment
Giving back what's owed
- loanBorrowed money repaid later
- installmentPeriodic partial payment
- principalChief school administrator
mortgage · balance · arrears · dues · obligation · liability · creditor · interest · amortization · settlement