1 A2 informal
To leave a place very quickly, usually because you have something urgent to do
"Sorry, I have to rush off — I've got a dentist appointment in ten minutes."
inseparable
rush off
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To leave a place very quickly, usually because you are busy or in a hurry
In plain English
To leave somewhere very fast because you have to be somewhere else
What does "rush off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rush in an outward direction — transparent
Actually means
To leave somewhere very fast because you have to be somewhere else
Usage tip
Commonly used in polite contexts to explain a sudden departure: 'I have to rush off'. Suggests busyness rather than rudeness. Very common in British English.
Words that pair with "rush off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
meeting appointment sorry afraid must need
How to conjugate "rush off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rush off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rushes off
he/she/it
Past simple
rushed off
yesterday
Past participle
rushed off
have + pp
-ing form
rushing off
continuous
Hear "rush off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rush off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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