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dash off

B1 neutral mixed both
In simple words

To leave very quickly, or to write something fast without spending much time on it.

Literal meaning: To dash (run fast) and go off (away).

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To leave a place quickly, often because one is in a hurry.

"She dashed off after the meeting without speaking to anyone."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To write something quickly and with little effort, such as a short letter or note.

"He dashed off a quick apology to his client before catching his flight."

""I dashed off a note to him.""

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

'Dash off' for writing is slightly more common in British English. The departure sense is universal. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When used for writing, the object usually comes after 'off' or between 'dash' and 'off': 'dash off a letter' or 'dash a letter off'.

Commonly used with

letter email note message reply memo

Forms

Base
dash off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dashes off
he/she/it
Past simple
dashed off
yesterday
Past participle
dashed off
have + pp
-ing form
dashing off
continuous

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