Reel off
verb
verb ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Verb
- 1 Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see reel, off.
- 2 recite volubly or extravagantly wordnet
- 3 To list effortlessly and quickly. idiomatic, transitive
"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."
- 4 unwind from or as if from a reel wordnet
- 5 To produce (e.g. a performance), in an effortless manner. idiomatic, transitive
"[...] 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."
Example
More examples"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."
Etymology
From reel (noun), suggesting a mechanical movement.