reel off

English

Etymology

From reel (noun), suggesting a mechanical movement.

Verb

reel off (third-person singular simple present reels off, present participle reeling off, simple past and past participle reeled off)

(transitive, idiomatic) To list effortlessly and quickly.
- 2005, Independent, "That's settled: England's team for 2006", 10 June:
  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.
- 2008, American Cowboy (magazine), Aug-Sep, vol. 15, no. 2:
  When asked about inspirational influences in his life, he reeled off a list of folks whose names would surprise no one.
(transitive, idiomatic) To produce (e.g. a performance), in an effortless manner.
- 1996, Richmond Times-Dispatch, 21 Feb.:
  Last year, the Royals were 5-17 and little did anyone think they would reel off 12 straight wins in 1996.
- 2008, Reuters India, 4 July, headline:
  Briton Fisher reels off 10 birdies in record 63.

Synonyms

rattle off

Translations

list effortlessly and quickly

French: débiter (fr)
Polish: snuć (pl) impf

Swedish: rabbla upp

produce in an effortless manner

Anagrams

feel for