# fire off

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fire-off
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to send a message or an email very quickly, often without thinking too much about it.

For teachers: to dispatch a communication, such as an email or letter, with speed and often in a series; can also refer to the rapid discharge of shots or questions.

## Examples

- I need to fire off a quick email to my boss.
- She sat down at her desk and fired off three replies before her coffee even got cold.
- The journalist fired off a series of pointed questions, barely giving the spokesperson enough time to formulate a coherent response.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He fired off to the manager an email." but "He fired off an email to the manager." — the direct object (the message) should follow the phrasal verb before the recipient.

## Usage notes

- usually implies speed, urgency, or a lack of hesitation in the action.
- Teaching tip: the metaphor comes from weaponry (firing a gun); use this to explain the sense of speed and 'shooting' messages toward a target.

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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.