Idiom: be better off

To be better off means to have a better result - to be happier, or richer, or safer, or more successful. When you use this expression, you are comparing one situation with another.

Since he's moved out, we're all better off. (=He was a problem housemate. It's better now he is gone.)

"I'm going to Jake's party.
"You'd be better off staying home and doing your homework."

"Are you coming out for drinks?"
"I'd be better off getting an early night."

Be careful! Don't confuse this with "I'd better be off".

I'd be better off = my situation would be better
I'd better be off = I should leave now

One more tip: if you don't mention a particular situation, 'better off' usually means 'richer'.

I'm better off now that I've stopped dating him. (=Life is better because I'm not dating him.)

I'm better off now than I was ten years ago. (=If you don't give any other information, this means you are richer now.)

How about you? Are you better off in some way now, than five years ago? For example, I'm better off now that I have a good, new car. My old car was always breaking down...