dash off: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘dash off’ mean?
The idiom "dash off" means to quickly write or complete something, usually in a careless or hurried manner.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "run off" means to leave quickly or flee.
The idiom "duck out" means to leave a place or situation quickly or secretly, often to avoid something or someone. It implies a sudden or sneaky departure.
The idiom "drop off" means to decrease or decline rapidly in quantity, level, or intensity. It is often used to describe a sudden decrease in interest, energy, or attendance.
When used as an idiom, "drive off" means to leave quickly or abruptly in a vehicle. It is often used to describe someone leaving a place in a hurry.
The idiom "do the dash" means to make a quick and hasty exit from a place or situation, often to avoid trouble or for some urgent reason.
The idiom "cut to the chase" means to get to the main point or most important part of something without wasting time or providing unnecessary details.
An idiom meaning to take shortcuts or do something in a faster or easier way, often sacrificing quality or thoroughness. It is used to describe a situation where someone tries to save time, money, or effort by finding an easier or quicker way to achieve a goal.
The idiom "cut a dash" means to make a stylish or impressive appearance, often by dressing well or acting confidently. It implies attracting attention and creating a positive impression on others.
The idiom "cut about" means to move quickly and energetically, often in a disorganized or random manner. It implies a sense of being in a hurry or having a lot of things to do. This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts.
The idiom *cross off* means to remove or mark something as completed or finished.
Masterful Quickness
Dash off is an idiomatic expression that means to quickly and easily write or complete something. It's often used to describe hastily jotting down a note or finishing a task in a short period of time. The phrase originated in the mid-19th century.
The word "dash" in this idiom originally referred to the fast and forceful movement of a pen or pencil on paper. It comes from the idea of making a sudden and sharp line or mark. Adding "off" to "dash" further emphasizes the idea of doing something swiftly and without complications.
This idiom is commonly used when speed and efficiency are desired or necessary. It's often used in relation to writing, such as when a journalist needs to quickly write an article or when a student needs to hastily complete an assignment. However, it can also be used more generally to describe any task that is done quickly and with little effort.
When someone "dashes off" a piece of writing, it suggests that the content may be produced without much thought or consideration. It implies a sense of spontaneity and lack of refinement. While this can be advantageous in certain situations where timeliness is important, it can also indicate a lack of depth or quality. This idiom does not imply a high level of craftsmanship or meticulous attention to detail.
The idiom "dash off" is widely recognized and understood by English speakers, particularly in the United States. Its meaning is generally clear and does not vary significantly across different contexts or regions. However, it's worth noting that the idiom is more commonly used in informal speech and writing rather than in formal or academic settings.
The idiom "do the dash" is related to "dash off" in that it also implies doing something quickly. It has a similar connotation of speed and efficiency. To "do the dash" means to complete a task rapidly and without unnecessary delays.
The idiom "run off" is another related phrase that shares a similar meaning with "dash off." Both idioms suggest doing something quickly and without much effort. "Run off" can be used to describe writing or accomplishing a task rapidly.
Similarly, the idiom "drive off" is related to "dash off" in that it conveys the idea of doing something swiftly and effortlessly. "Drive off" can be used to describe completing a task or writing in a fast and efficient manner.
The phrase "bundle off" is also related to "dash off" as it describes the act of doing something quickly and urgently. "Bundle off" can be used to indicate completing a task or writing hastily and without much thought.
The idiom "dash off" means to quickly and easily complete a task, especially in writing. It suggests doing something swiftly and with minimal effort or thought. While it can be advantageous in terms of time management, it may also imply a lack of depth or refinement. Overall, the idiom is a concise and commonly understood expression in the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "dash off" can be used in a sentence:
- She had to dash off a quick email before leaving for the meeting.
- He dashed off a note to his friend apologizing for missing their lunch date.
- The journalist had to dash off a last-minute article to meet the publication deadline.
More "verb" idioms
