# rush off

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rush-off
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I must rush off the airport." but "I must rush off to the airport." — A destination noun requires the preposition 'to' after 'rush off'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.