dash off

dash off

1. To leave quickly. In this usage, "dash off" is a set phrase. The burglar dashed off as soon as he heard the security alarm. I'm sorry to dash off, but I'll miss the bus if I don't leave now.
2. To do or make something quickly, especially to write, bake, or cook something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "dash" and "off." At the very least, just dash a note off to Aunt Mildred and thank her for the gift.
See also: dash, off

dash off (somewhere)

To quickly and suddenly leave (to some place). I'm just going to dash off to the pub for a quick pint. She dashed off as soon as the exam was finished.
See also: dash, off
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

dash something off

to make or do something quickly. I will dash this off now and try to take more time with the rest of them. I will see if I can dash off a cherry pie before dinner.
See also: dash, off
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

dash off

1. Write or sketch hastily, as in I'm just going to dash off a letter. [Early 1700s]
2. Hurry away, depart hastily, as in He dashed off as though he was being chased. This usage employs the verb dash in the sense of "impetuously run" or "rush," a usage dating from about 1300.
See also: dash, off
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

dash off

v.
1. To depart in a hurry: When the bell rang, he excused himself from the lunch table and dashed off to class.
2. To write or draw something hurriedly: She dashed off a note that explained where she was going. He dashed a memo off to the staff explaining the new dress code.
See also: dash, off
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • dash off (somewhere)
  • dash out
  • dash a note off
  • dash
  • dash away
  • (I've) got to take off
  • be off with you
  • (Now) where was I?
  • dash a letter off
  • dash over
References in periodicals archive
RELATIONSHIPS take time and effort so, before you dash off to take your chances with the new man, try to focus on what's right with the old one.
Dear MIRIAM: I YEARN TO ESCAPE
The highlight of the night was when the curtain came down at the interval, for this enabled the long-suffering audience to dash off to the bar or, as in my case, to the nearest exit.
Letter: Your Say - Dreadful play
Leighton Aspell had to dash off to ride at Sandown after one mount at the track but at least it was a winning one aboard Fandango de Chassy in the
Towcester: Aspell double shift pays dividend
Proud new dad Nicky Byrne was by his wife's side yesterday but had to dash off last night for a sell-out Westlife gig at The Point.
GRANDAD BERTIE; Taoiseach's joy as Georgina and husband Nicky have twin boys
Ged, station officer at Kirkby, said: ``Angela was due to have the baby next week so I'd warned the lads at the station that I might have to dash off at some point.
Flaming marvel
better chance at the Worcester inquiry had Johnson not been given permission to dash off to ride at Market Rasen's evening fixture, although the stewards later tried to recall him through an announcement over the public address system.
Squire York appeal today
Ronan had to dash off last year for his daughter Ali's birth but has vowed to make up for it at the annual event next weekend.
Sunk at 19th hole
Instead, Paul Gerrard assumed the villain's role with his needless dash off his line to gift Newcastle an undeserved goal, taking out his own centrehalf in the process.
Winter takes second stage; THE TERRACE BUZZ
"As soon as we finish here we've got to dash off to another gig in Peterborough.
3am: Bust out crying