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Feb 06, 2017 7:25 pm
The phrases "right away" and "right off" both mean "without delay". And the word "right" is just to emphasize the word after it. The problem is "away" and "off". If we see "away" and "off" in a literally way, there's nothing to do with "without delay or immediately". Does anyone know why the two phrase collocate in this way? What are the origins of them? Thanks!
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Feb 07, 2017 3:47 pm
Your analysis fits the syntax.  But it is possible that  "right" is the element that comes first to mind.  It looks round for something punchy to finish off with.  And lo, what's better than of, away, on, out, up, in ?