1 B2 informal
To leave a place promptly and briskly, often with a sense of purpose.
"She said a quick goodbye and trotted off to catch her bus."
inseparable
trot off
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To leave a place briskly or promptly, often in a slightly cheerful or purposeful manner; also used literally of a horse or person trotting.
In plain English
To go somewhere at a quick walk, especially looking cheerful or busy about it.
What does "trot off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
Used of a horse or animal: to move away at a trot.
"The pony trotted off across the field as soon as the gate was opened."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move at a trot — faster than a walk but slower than a run.
Actually means
To go somewhere at a quick walk, especially looking cheerful or busy about it.
Usage tip
Often implies the departure is rather abrupt or that the person seems hurried but not stressed. Can carry a slightly dismissive or humorous tone when used about someone who leaves without much ceremony. Common in British English.
Words that pair with "trot off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
home school work bed elsewhere
How to conjugate "trot off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
trot off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
trots off
he/she/it
Past simple
troted off
yesterday
Past participle
troted off
have + pp
-ing form
troting off
continuous
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