Translation guide
The phrasal verb "fling off" has several distinct meanings in English. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: removing something quickly or forcefully, escaping or shaking off something, and producing something casually or spontaneously. It also notes less common literal and figurative uses.
To take off clothing, covers, or an object with a sudden, energetic motion.
Literally 'take off and throw away'. Used for flinging off clothes or shoes in a hurried or careless manner.
He flung off his jacket.
Means 'shake off' or 'brush off'. Can be used when flinging something off your body, like an insect or a hand.
She flung off his hand.
Literally 'flip away' or 'flick off'. Used for flinging off a small object or liquid with a quick motion.
The dog flung off the water.
To get free from someone or something that is holding, following, or bothering you.
Means 'shake off' or 'outrun'. Commonly used for flinging off a pursuer or an unwanted attachment.
He flung off his pursuers.
Casual verb meaning 'to shake off' or 'to lose' someone following you. Often used in spoken Japanese.
Means 'escape from' or 'evade'. Can be used for flinging off an obligation or a bad situation.
To say, write, or create something quickly and without much effort, often in an offhand manner.
Literally 'write quickly'. Used for flinging off a note, poem, or message.
He flung off a poem.
Means 'say lightly' or 'toss off a remark'. Used for flinging off a comment or joke.
She flung off a joke.
Means 'improvise' or 'create on the spot'. Suitable for flinging off a tune or a sketch.
He flung off a tune.
Do not translate 'fling off' word-for-word as 投げ捨てる (throw away) unless you mean physically discarding something. The meaning depends heavily on context.
I flung off the tail.
彼は責任を逃れようとした。
He tried to fling off his responsibilities.