rattle off
B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To say a list of things very fast without stopping or thinking — like it's easy for you.
Literal meaning: Producing something quickly with a rattling sound — like a machine-gun rattling off bullets rapidly.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To say a list of things quickly and easily, without pausing or hesitating.
"Without looking at her notes, she rattled off the names of all fifteen cabinet ministers."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To produce or complete a series of things quickly and without effort.
"The journalist rattled off three articles before lunch."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Often implies that the speaker knows the information very well, or is doing something mechanically and without real engagement. Can apply to lists, facts, names, instructions, or even tasks. Common in everyday speech and journalism.
Commonly used with
names facts figures instructions list statistics
Forms
Base
rattle off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rattles off
he/she/it
Past simple
rattled off
yesterday
Past participle
rattled off
have + pp
-ing form
rattling off
continuous
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