shoot off
B1 informal separable both
In simple words
To go away fast, or to fire something like a gun or rocket
Literal meaning: To shoot something so it flies off in a direction — fairly transparent
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To leave a place very quickly or suddenly
"Sorry, I have to shoot off — my train leaves in ten minutes."
2 B1 neutral
To fire a weapon, firework, or similar device
"They shot off a round of fireworks to celebrate the new year."
Grammar: separable
3 B2
idiomatic
informal
To send a message, letter, or email quickly
"She shot off a quick email to the client before the end of the day."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
The 'leave quickly' sense is very common in British English ('I have to shoot off'). The 'fire a weapon' sense is more literal. Also used for sending messages quickly: 'shoot off an email'.
Commonly used with
email message letter firework gun quickly home
Forms
Base
shoot off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
shoots off
he/she/it
Past simple
shooted off
yesterday
Past participle
shooted off
have + pp
-ing form
shooting off
continuous
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