This phrasal verb is intransitive and has three meanings.
The most common is when something breaks off.
I picked it up and the handle came off in my hand
The second meaning is to be successful.
I was surprised when the plan came off so easily.
The third meaning is more complex and refers to a person's or institution's affect and is often used to describe an unpleasant affect, but not necessarily always an unpleasant one. "Sarah comes off arrogant". Another example in reference to the affect of an institution would be "Acme Medical Insurance comes off as being greedy and unconcerned about it's customers health". A final example, this one positive, is "Margaret came off as a very sincere and conscientious person".
The third meaning usually employs the word "as", but not always. However, the longer the description the more proper it is to use "as".
The most common is when something breaks off.
I picked it up and the handle came off in my hand
The second meaning is to be successful.
I was surprised when the plan came off so easily.
The third meaning is more complex and refers to a person's or institution's affect and is often used to describe an unpleasant affect, but not necessarily always an unpleasant one. "Sarah comes off arrogant". Another example in reference to the affect of an institution would be "Acme Medical Insurance comes off as being greedy and unconcerned about it's customers health". A final example, this one positive, is "Margaret came off as a very sincere and conscientious person".
The third meaning usually employs the word "as", but not always. However, the longer the description the more proper it is to use "as".
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