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trot off

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To go somewhere at a quick walk, especially looking cheerful or busy about it.

Literal meaning: To move at a trot — faster than a walk but slower than a run.

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

home school work bed elsewhere

Forms

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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Synonyms

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