reel off
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle off
Meanings
Recite a long list quickly and easily from memory
Why “off”? Words or impressions come off a source and reach other people.
“She reeled off the dates of every battle.”
“He reeled off ten phone numbers.”
Don't confuse with
Reel off means recite a long list quickly and easily from memory. Reel in means pull a fish or line in by winding a reel.
Test yourself
“She reeled off the dates of every battle.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
reel in
A contrast learners often mix up
Pull a fish or line in by winding a reel
bite off
Same off pattern: release
Remove a piece of something by biting it; Take on more than you can handle ("bite off more than you can chew"); Speak sharply and curtly
come off
Same off pattern: release
Become detached from something; Happen successfully as planned; Stop taking a medicine or substance; Give a particular impression to others; Be withdrawn from sale or service
read off
Same off pattern: release
Read aloud from a list or screen
show off
Same off pattern: release
Display something to impress others
sound off
Same off pattern: release
Express opinions loudly and at length, especially complaints
tell off
Same off pattern: release
Speak angrily to someone for doing something wrong
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