Phrasal verb
reel off
Definition
phrasal verb. to say a long list of things quickly and easily from memory. You use this when someone knows facts or names so well they don't have to stop and think.
phrasal verb. To recite or produce a list of items quickly and effortlessly from memory. The verb is transitive and typically takes a plural noun or a sequence of facts as its object.
Examples
“He can reel off the names of all the players.”
“During the quiz, Sarah reeled off the answers so fast that the rest of the team couldn't keep up.”
“The historian was able to reel off the dates of every major treaty signed during the nineteenth century without consulting his notes once.”
Examples
simple
“He can reel off the names of all the players.”
contextual
“During the quiz, Sarah reeled off the answers so fast that the rest of the team couldn't keep up.”
complex
“The historian was able to reel off the dates of every major treaty signed during the nineteenth century without consulting his notes once.”
Usage
Usually used with lists, names, or numbers to emphasize speed.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'recite' to show that 'reel off' emphasizes speed and a lack of effort rather than formal performance.
Pitfall
He reeled off.
He reeled off the names.
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually a list or sequence of items.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
optional
Pattern
reel + 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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