Judo

I just can't find a definition for the verb version of judo in dictionaries, although I keep seeing the definition for the noun. I heard it used as a verb as below in the episode of the Dead Zone, where Johnny Smith was feeling dubious about Greg Stillson with regard to a woman missing. 'She' here is the missing lady's sister, who is appearing on TV with Stillson asking for help, and 'this' I believe refers to 'this possible crime of his.'

Does 'to judo something off of somebody' mean 'to skillfully turn it over, put it away from him (as if nothing had happened)'?

JOHNNY: What is she doing there?
BRUCE: She's just looking for help anywhere she can find it.
JOHNNY: We can't let Stillson judo this off of himself. I know he's involved.
(source: Dead Zone, Finding Rachel (1))

Best,

Hiro

Hi HSS

Judo is not a verb, but has been pointed out here frequently, not only are nouns sometimes used as verbs despite acceptance by any authority but authors sometimes create usage peculiar only to the work at hand.

Since the sport of judo is based upon "throwing" the opponent, I suspect the author is using in in this metaphorical manner, i.e. "throwing off" the problem.

I would not regard it as normal English, but as with many such things, it might exist in some areas.

So 'judo' here can be substituted with the more general word 'throw.' Am I right? Do you think you could use any other sport where they basically throw to win as an invented verb here, although I can't think of any on the spur of the moment👁 Smile :)
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HSS said:

So 'judo' here can be substituted with the more general word 'throw.' Am I right? Do you think you could use any other sport where they basically throw to win as an invented verb here, although I can't think of any on the spur of the moment👁 Smile :)
?

There are many sports that involve throwing things, but I don't recommend any of them, not even rodeo's bronc riding where horses do their best to throw their riders into the dirt.

I don't think the use of "judo" here works, either, but some others might think differently.

I agree - "to judo" sounds like something invented by the author, or perhaps deliberately chosen to give a sense of spontaneous speech, where people often create unusual phrases or grammar.

But I can use 'throw' here, saying 'throw this off of himself,' though? Am I right?

HSS said:

But I can use 'throw' here, saying 'throw this off of himself,' though? Am I right?

Yes, that works. ... or maybe just "throw this off."