Definition of the word push off

The phrase "push off" originally derived from the nautical context during the 17th century. It referred to the action of pushing a boat or a ship away from the dock or the shore. The term was commonly used by sailors and dockworkers to indicate the departure of a vessel, as it implies a swift and emphatic motion, pushing the boat away with enough force for a smooth departure. As the phrase gained popularity, it extended its usage beyond the marine context and began to be employed in other contexts, such as urging someone to move away or leave a place, as in the expression "push off, I'm tired of your company."