reel off

say or list many things quickly and easily from memory

C2

What does "reel sth off" mean?

To reel off something means to recite or list a series of items rapidly and without any apparent effort, drawing entirely from memory. The phrase conveys not just speed but a sense of impressive fluency — the person does it smoothly, one item flowing seamlessly into the next, without pausing to think or check a source. It is often used when the speaker wants to express admiration or mild astonishment at someone's recall or expertise. You might hear it in journalism or sports commentary, but it works equally well in everyday conversation. Crucially, the person is always speaking from memory — if they are reading from a document, 'reel off' would be the wrong choice.

Examples

How to use it

reel off + list/series

The most common pattern, used when the object is a noun phrase referring to a set of items, facts, or data.

Without missing a beat, she reeled off every ingredient in the recipe from memory.

reel + pronoun + off

When the object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle — this is the most natural and idiomatic form.

He knew every capital city in Europe and could reel them off in alphabetical order.

can/could reel off + list/series

Modal constructions with 'can' or 'could' are especially common when describing someone's habitual ability or impressive capacity for recall.

She could reel off the names of every world chess champion without a moment's hesitation.

reel + short noun phrase + off

Short noun phrases can be placed between the verb and particle to emphasise the object, though this is less common than the unseparated form with longer phrases.

The historian reeled the dates off so quickly that nobody had time to write them down.

Common Collocations

reel off namesreel off statisticsreel off factsreel off a listreel off figuresreel off excuses

Common Mistakes

Confusing 'reel off' with 'read off'

'Reel off' specifically implies reciting from memory with effortless fluency — if someone is looking at a written list or document, the correct phrase is 'read off'. Using 'reel off' in a reading context implies a natural memory-based recall that isn't actually happening.

✗ She reeled off the figures by looking at her spreadsheet.
✓ She reeled off the figures without once glancing at her spreadsheet.
Using the present continuous

'Reel off' describes a rapid, completed sequence and sounds unnatural in the present continuous. Use the simple present for habitual ability, or the simple past for a completed action.

✗ He is reeling off all the statistics right now.
✓ He reeled off all the statistics in under a minute.
Misplacing the pronoun

When the object is a pronoun, it must come between 'reel' and 'off' — placing it after the particle is not grammatical.

✗ She reeled off them without hesitation.
✓ She reeled them off without hesitation.

Usage

This phrasal verb is neutral in register and works in both spoken and written English. It often implies that the listener is impressed by the speaker's speed and fluency, so it carries a slightly admiring tone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'reel off' always involve reciting from memory, or can it mean something else?

The sense covered here is specifically about reciting or listing things quickly from memory. However, 'reel off' can also mean producing a rapid sequence of tangible results — for example, victories or achievements — where no memory is involved. Context will usually make the intended meaning clear.

What kinds of things can you 'reel off'?

Typically, you reel off lists of discrete, nameable items: statistics, names, dates, facts, figures, examples, or achievements. The items need to be the kind of thing that can be listed in quick succession — you wouldn't usually reel off a single item or something that can't be enumerated.

Does 'reel off' always sound admiring, or is it ever negative?

It usually carries an admiring or impressed tone, highlighting someone's remarkable speed and ease of recall. Occasionally it can have a slightly sarcastic or exasperated edge — for instance, if someone reels off a long list of complaints or excuses — but even then, the core implication of effortless fluency remains.

Can 'reel off' be used in the passive voice?

Technically it is grammatically possible, but it is very rarely used in the passive and would sound unnatural to most native speakers. The phrasal verb focuses attention on the impressive person doing the reciting, so the active voice is strongly preferred.

What is the difference between 'reel off' and 'rattle off'?

Both mean to say or list things rapidly, and in many contexts they are interchangeable. 'Rattle off' tends to feel slightly more informal and emphasises sheer speed, while 'reel off' more strongly suggests a smooth, unbroken, effortless delivery — almost like a tape unwinding. In practice, the distinction is subtle and both are widely understood.

Ready to practise?

Practise 1,000+ English phrasal verbs with interactive gap-fill exercises.

Start Practising →