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.
彼は上着を脱ぎ捨てた。
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.
彼女は彼の手を振り払った。
She flung off his hand.
Literally 'flip away' or 'flick off'. Used for flinging off a small object or liquid with a quick motion.
犬が水を跳ね除けた。
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.
彼は追っ手を振り切った。
He flung off his pursuers.
Casual verb meaning 'to shake off' or 'to lose' someone following you. Often used in spoken Japanese.
尾行をまいた。
I flung off the tail.
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.
彼は詩をさっと書いた。
He flung off a poem.
Means 'say lightly' or 'toss off a remark'. Used for flinging off a comment or joke.
彼女は冗談を軽く言った。
She flung off a joke.
Means 'improvise' or 'create on the spot'. Suitable for flinging off a tune or a sketch.
彼は即興で曲を作った。
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.
彼は責任を逃れようとした。
He tried to fling off his responsibilities.