Pronunciation: [dɹˈaft ˈɒf] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "draft off" can be a source of confusion for some people. To clarify, the correct spelling is actually "draft of". This can be explained through the use of IPA phonetic transcription, where the sound /v/ in "of" is represented by the symbol /ʌv/. Many people may incorrectly spell this word as "draft off" due to the similar sound of the letter "v" and the word "of" when spoken quickly.
Draft off is a verb phrase that refers to taking advantage of or benefitting from someone else's efforts, work, or success without contributing or giving proper credit. It involves using someone else's accomplishments or resources to advance oneself without putting in the necessary effort or making any significant contribution. This term is often used in a negative context, implying a lack of integrity or fairness.
When someone drafts off another person, they are essentially riding on their coattails, taking advantage of the hard work, expertise, or reputation of the other individual. This can occur in various situations, such as in the workplace, where one person may exploit the ideas or proposals of a colleague without giving them due recognition or compensation.
Drafting off can also occur in creative fields, such as writing, music, or art, where individuals may plagiarize or copy the work of others without permission or acknowledgment, thus profiting from someone else's originality or talent.
This term is metaphorically derived from the concept of drafting in sports, where athletes position themselves closely behind another competitor to reduce wind resistance and benefit from the lead's efforts. Similarly, in a non-physical context, drafting off involves piggybacking on someone else's achievements or resources to achieve personal gain without putting in the necessary effort, originality, or innovation.
The phrase "draft off" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words.
The word "draft" has various meanings and origins. As a noun, it can be traced back to the Old English word "dræft", meaning "a pulling, drawing, or hauling". It later developed additional meanings such as "a current of air" or "a preliminary version of a written document".
The word "off" is a preposition that originated from Old English "offa", meaning "away, off". It has retained its meaning throughout the centuries and is commonly used to indicate distance, separation, or movement away.
When combined, "draft off" generally refers to moving or removing oneself from a draft or current of air.
