The English We Speak
Intermediate level
Shoot off
Episode 260126 / 26 Jan 2026
(Image: Getty)
Introduction
This expression means leave quickly because you're in a hurry or there's somewhere you need to be. Learn how to use it here.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I'm Feifei, and I'm here with Beth.
Beth
Hi Feifei. Let's do this quickly. I need to shoot off right after the recording.
Feifei
We can't rush! This script is important. 'Shoot off' – this means to leave quickly because you're in a hurry or there's somewhere you need to be.
Beth
Sorry, you're right. But I will need to shoot off because I have a dentist appointment, and I can’t be late again.
Feifei
Late again? Oh dear. 'Shoot off' is quite common in everyday English for this type of situation.
Beth
Yes. If you need to leave early, you might warn people, "sorry, but I have to shoot off after this".
Feifei
Yes, for example, I told everyone today I will have to shoot off straight after the meeting tomorrow to catch my train.
Beth
Yes, you did say that earlier.
Feifei
Let's listen to more examples of 'shoot off'.
Examples
I always have to shoot off quickly from work because I don't want to miss my train home.
Sorry, I've just got to shoot off. My mum's calling me.
Sorry team, got to shoot off. I need to pick the kids up!
Beth
So 'shoot off' means to leave a place quickly because you need to be somewhere else.
Feifei
A similar expression is 'dash off'. We can also say 'head out' but this doesn't have the same sense of urgency as 'shoot off' or 'dash off'.
Beth
Right. Are we done? I need to shoot off!
Feifei
Yes, yes. Go, go, go! We'll be back next time with another useful English phrase. Goodbye for now.
Beth
Bye.
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