# crank out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/crank-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to produce something quickly and in large amounts, often without caring much about quality.

For teachers: To produce something mechanically or in a routine manner, typically in large quantities and often at the expense of quality. Transitive; requires a direct object.

## Examples

- He can crank out three blog posts in one morning.
- The factory used to crank out thousands of cheap plastic toys every single day.
- Despite the pressure to crank out weekly reports, the analyst maintained a rigorous standard of data integrity that surprised his superiors.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He cranked out of the work." but "He cranked out the work." — The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; do not add 'of' after 'out'.

## Usage notes

- Usually used for creative or mechanical work that is done quickly and repeatedly.
- Teaching tip: The term evokes the image of turning a handle on a machine to produce items, which helps explain the mechanical nuance.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.