Phrasal verb
dash off
Definition
phrasal verb. to write or draw something very quickly because you are in a rush, or to leave a place suddenly.
phrasal verb. to produce a piece of writing or a sketch rapidly and without much thought; alternatively, to depart from a location in great haste. The verb is transitive in its 'writing' sense and intransitive in its 'departure' sense.
Examples
“I'll dash off a quick note to let them know we're coming.”
“After the meeting ended, he had to dash off to catch the last train home.”
“The composer was said to dash off his most famous overtures in a matter of hours, often finishing the final bars just as the orchestra arrived.”
Examples
simple
“I'll dash off a quick note to let them know we're coming.”
contextual
“After the meeting ended, he had to dash off to catch the last train home.”
complex
“The composer was said to dash off his most famous overtures in a matter of hours, often finishing the final bars just as the orchestra arrived.”
Usage
The phrase is often used with nouns like 'note', 'email', or 'reply'.
Teaching tip
Contrast the 'writing' sense with 'scribble' to show that 'dash off' implies speed and completion rather than just messy handwriting.
Pitfall
I dashed off the building.
I dashed out of the building.
When used to mean leaving, 'dash off' is intransitive and cannot be followed directly by the place you are leaving.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
dash + off (+ object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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