1 B2 informal
To remove something quickly in a single swift movement.
"She whipped off the tablecloth without disturbing a single glass — it was impressive."
separable
whip off
B2 informal separable transitive
To remove something quickly with a swift, smooth motion; or to produce something rapidly.
In plain English
To take something off very fast in one quick move; or to make something very quickly.
What does "whip off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To produce or complete something very quickly.
"He whipped off a quick reply to the email before rushing out of the office."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To remove something with a movement as quick as a whip cracking.
Actually means
To take something off very fast in one quick move; or to make something very quickly.
Usage tip
In the removal sense, it typically refers to clothing, covers, or lids. In the production sense, it is similar to 'dash off' and 'knock off.' Both senses are informal and convey speed. Common in spoken British and American English.
Words that pair with "whip off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
lid cover jacket shirt letter reply
How to conjugate "whip off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
whip off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
whips off
he/she/it
Past simple
whiped off
yesterday
Past participle
whiped off
have + pp
-ing form
whiping off
continuous
Hear "whip off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "whip off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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