English Reference

Phrasal verb

rush off

Definition

phrasal verb. to leave a place very quickly because you are in a hurry. You use this when you have to go somewhere else right away.

phrasal verb. To depart a location hastily, typically due to time constraints or an urgent commitment. This phrasal verb is intransitive and often precedes a prepositional phrase of destination.

Examples

“I have to rush off to a meeting now.”

“After the concert ended, the lead singer had to rush off to catch a private flight to the next city.”

“Despite the pressing nature of the inquiry, the witness attempted to rush off before the cross-examination could commence, citing a prior engagement.”

Examples

simple

“I have to rush off to a meeting now.”

contextual

“After the concert ended, the lead singer had to rush off to catch a private flight to the next city.”

complex

“Despite the pressing nature of the inquiry, the witness attempted to rush off before the cross-examination could commence, citing a prior engagement.”

Usage

Usually followed by 'to' and a destination or 'and' followed by another action.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'dash off', which can also mean writing something quickly; 'rush off' focuses purely on the physical departure.

Pitfall

I must rush off the airport.

I must rush off to the airport.

A destination noun requires the preposition 'to' after 'rush off'.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

rush + off

Synonyms

leaveboltdash offhurry away

Antonyms

staylingerremain

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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