Dictionary

reel off en · VERB

Pronunciation

• (Australia) audio

Etymology

From reel (noun), suggesting a mechanical movement.

Meanings

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see reel, off.
2. (idiomatic, transitive) To list effortlessly and quickly.
   • There are 12 months left before the next World Cup and every England fan can reel off Sven Goran Eriksson's starting XI within 15 seconds. 2005, Independent, "That's settled: England's team for 2006", 10 June
   • When asked about inspirational influences in his life, he reeled off a list of folks whose names would surprise no one. 2008, American Cowboy (magazine), Aug-Sep, vol. 15, no. 2
3. (idiomatic, transitive) To produce (e.g. a performance), in an effortless manner.
   • Last year, the Royals were 5-17 and little did anyone think they would reel off 12 straight wins in 1996. 1996 February 21, Richmond Times-Dispatch:
   • Briton Fisher reels off 10 birdies in record 63. 2008 July 4, Reuters India, headline:
   • [...] the average for the entire 123.7 miles from Lavino to Rogoredo was 109.2 m.p.h. and in all the 195.8 miles from Florence to Milan were reeled off in 115.2 min. start to stop at an average of 101.8 m.p.h. 1960 March, G. Freeman Allen, “Europe's most luxurious express - the "Settebello"”, in Trains Illustrated, page 146:

Forms

Synonyms

rattle off · trot out

Translations (12)

es citar de carrerilla (list effortlessly and quickly) · es recitar de carrerilla (list effortlessly and quickly) · es enumerar de carrerilla (list effortlessly and quickly) · bg чета гладко (list effortlessly and quickly) · sv rabbla upp (list effortlessly and quickly) · pl recytować (produce in an effortless manner) · pl snuć (list effortlessly and quickly) · es decir de carrerilla (list effortlessly and quickly) · no ramse opp (list effortlessly and quickly) · fr débiter (list effortlessly and quickly) · pl wyrecytować (produce in an effortless manner) · es declamar de carrerilla (list effortlessly and quickly)