reel off

B2 neutral separable transitive

In simple words

to say many things fast without stopping

Literal meaning: to unwind something off a reel

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

common

to say a list of words, facts, or items quickly and fluently

"She reeled off the train times without looking at her notes."

Grammar: separable

2 B2 idiomatic neutral

common

to produce a series of successes, performances, or actions one after another

"The team reeled off six straight wins in April."

"The Warriors reeled off 12 straight victories."
— Sports journalism formula

Grammar: separable

Usage notes

Often used for names, numbers, facts, or excuses spoken rapidly from memory. It can suggest impressive ease or mechanical repetition.

names numbers facts statistics excuses answers

Base

reel off

I/you/we/they

3rd person

reels off

he/she/it

Past simple

reeled off

yesterday

Past participle

reeled off

have + pp

-ing form

reeling off

continuous

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