What does “roll off (of)” mean?

Question

We were silent for the rest of the drive. I could feel the waves of
infuriated disapproval rolling off of him, and I could think of
nothing to say. (Twilight)

Tension rolled off of her, nearly visible in the air. I could feel
the desire, the all-consuming passion that held her in its grip.
Almost as if I could hear her thoughts, too, I knew what she was
thinking. (Twilight 3 - Eclipse)

I could feel the tension rolling off Edward as he listened to
Aro’s assessment of Carlisle’s words. The strain mounted as the
seconds ticked by. (Twilight 4 - Breaking dawn)

Weeaboo · Answer

The meaning of "Roll off (of)" in the context used means to emanate from or give out. It is associated with feelings.

I could feel the waves of infuriated disapproval emanating from him, and I could think of nothing to say.

Alan Harper · Answer

I think that the first example explains the usage here: waves (usually as surf) roll. "Waves of disapproval … rolling off of" is a metaphor for being able to almost visualize the emotion emanating from the person. In the second and third example, I think the waves are implied, or at least that the tension is being visualized as a physical object. There are lots of other meanings for "roll off of" that would not make sense in this context.

Answered by Alan Harper on December 29, 2020

What does “roll off (of)” mean?

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