reel off
B2-C1Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
To recite or list something quickly, easily, and at length, often from memory.
To produce a continuous, rapid flow of information, numbers, or stories, suggesting effortless, mechanical, or rehearsed delivery.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a high degree of fluency or memorization, sometimes with a nuance of being automatic, unthinking, or impressive in its speed and volume.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally common and understood in both varieties. No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slight nuance of performing or showing off knowledge/skill, but generally neutral.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in spoken and journalistic contexts than in very formal writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJ + reel off + OBJ (e.g., He reeled off the names.)SUBJ + reel off + OBJ + for/at + NP (e.g., She reeled off statistics for the committee.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used when someone quickly lists quarterly results, key performance indicators, or project milestones in a presentation.
Academic
Used to describe a student effortlessly citing sources, dates, or formulas, or a scholar listing historical events.
Everyday
Common when someone recalls a long list of items from a shopping list, names of players in a team, or a series of instructions.
Technical
Less common, but can be used in computing contexts metaphorically (e.g., 'the server reels off error codes').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The quiz champion could reel off the capitals of every country without pause.
- He reeled off a dozen reasons why the plan was flawed.
American English
- The witness reeled off the license plate number from memory.
- She can reel off all the state birds in alphabetical order.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child reeled off the names of all the dinosaurs he knew.
- Can you reel off your phone number for me?
- The politician reeled off a series of statistics to support her argument.
- He effortlessly reeled off the ingredients for the complex recipe.
- The veteran journalist reeled off the key events of the crisis in chronological order, citing exact dates and names.
- Under cross-examination, the expert witness reeled off technical specifications without consulting her notes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an old fishing REEL spinning off line quickly and smoothly. Your words/list are the line coming off the reel effortlessly.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A PHYSICAL THREAD/CHAIN (that can be unwound rapidly). SPEAKING/REMEMBERING IS MECHANICAL PRODUCTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'сматывать' or 'разматывать'. Closer to 'отбарабанить', 'выпалить', 'зачитать список'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'reel out' (incorrect). Using it for slow, deliberate recitation. Incorrect preposition: 'reel on'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'reel off'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily for spoken or mental production. You 'reel off' a list verbally or in your mind. For writing, 'list', 'jot down', or 'write out' are more common.
It is context-dependent. It can be positive (impressive knowledge/skill) or slightly negative (mechanical, rehearsed, showing off).
They are very close synonyms. 'Rattle off' may emphasize the sound or noise of rapid speech slightly more, but they are often interchangeable.
No, it implies a sequence or list. You reel off *several* facts, names, etc. For one thing, use 'recite', 'say', or 'state'.