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."
inseparable
dash off
B1 neutral mixed transitive/intransitive
To leave quickly, or to produce a piece of writing very quickly and with little effort.
In plain English
To leave very quickly, or to write something fast without spending much time on it.
What does "dash off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To dash (run fast) and go off (away).
Actually means
To leave very quickly, or to write something fast without spending much time on it.
Usage tip
'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'.
Words that pair with "dash off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
letter email note message reply memo
How to conjugate "dash off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "dash off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "dash off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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