go way off (base/script)
Meaning(s)
1. deviate from what was planned or expected
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
the meeting ended up going way off base/script
Analysis
If you say that someone is way off base it means that they are wrong or incorrect or not aligned with reality. If you are 'way off base' you might make an assumption that is very incorrect. To go off-script means to wing something or to improvise. When you go off script it means you are not reading or saying the words that were agreed and instead make them up. To go 'off script' can mean to say something that was not agreed upon in public or to deviate from a previously made plan or process without informing others.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- The meeting ended up going way off script and turned into a laid back, general conversation which everyone enjoyed.
- Alice often decides to go off script when leading a project rather than follow strict instructions. She feels that doing so leads to greater innovation and productivity.
- Our economic predictions for this year have proved to be way off base so we have to make amendments accordingly.
- The negotiations were expected to be straightforward, but they had soon gone way off script, caused in part by a lack of communication between the two companies.
Social Examples (Advance)
- I couldn't remember exactly what I was supposed to say so I went off-script for a little bit. Luckily, I don't think anybody noticed.
- You are way off base if you think you can do this course and hold down a job at the same time.