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off line

What does off line mean?

A cook announcing they're leaving their station for a minute — bathroom, walk-in run, smoke, whatever. It's a courtesy and a safety thing: the rest of the line knows to watch their pans, catch their tickets, and not let anything burn. Always answered with an audible "heard."

"Off line, two minutes — somebody watch my risotto."

Frequently asked questions

What does "off line" mean in a kitchen?
"Off line" means a cook is stepping away from their station and needs to be covered.
How do you use "off line" in a sentence?
"I'm off line for two minutes — watch my grill."
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.