reel (redirected from reeling off)

rattle something off and reel something off

to recite something quickly and accurately. She can really reel song lyrics off. Listen to Mary rattle off those numbers.

See also: rattle

reel something in

to bring in something, such as a fish, by winding up the line on a reel. With great effort, she reeled the huge fish in. Hurry and reel in the fish!

reel back (from something)

to fall or stagger backwards, as from a blow. The boxer reeled back from the blow, stunned. Another blow to the midsection and he reeled back and fell.

See also: back

reel under something 

1. Lit. to stagger under the weight of something. Tony reeled under the weight of the books. She knew she would reel under the heavy load.

2. Fig. to stagger because of a blow. The boxer reeled under the blow to his chin. Fred reeled under the beating that Mike gave him.

3. Fig. to suffer because of a burden. Gary reeled under the responsibilities he had been given. I was just reeling under the burdens of my new job.

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rattle off something also rattle something off

to say something quickly She rattled something off in French that I didn't understand.

Usage notes: often used when someone gives a list of facts or other related information from memory: Walter could rattle off the statistics of players from the 1920s and ’30s.

Related vocabulary: reel off something

See also: rattle

reel in somebody/something also reel somebody/something in

1. to pull someone or something toward you We snagged the alligator near its tail and reeled it in. Rob took his hand, reeled him in, and gave him a big hug.

2. to attract someone or something Car dealers have to work harder to reel in customers when the economy is in bad shape.

Etymology: from the use of a reel (an object shaped like a wheel) used to pull in the fishing line when a fish is caught

reel off something also reel something off

1. to say a list of things quickly and easily He reeled off the names and ages of his seven grandchildren. Related vocabulary: rattle off something

2. to do something quickly and easily In the American league, Boston has reeled off four straight victories.