make off
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (phrasal verb):
- To leave or escape quickly, especially in a secretive or hurried manner, often taking something that does not belong to you.
Usage
- make off is an intransitive phrasal verb that must be followed by the preposition "with" when an object (the thing or person taken) is mentioned. The structure is: make off with [something/someone].
- It is used to describe a sudden, often illicit, departure, typically after a theft or to avoid trouble.
Examples
- The burglars made off before the police arrived.
- He made off with the company's confidential files.
- The children made off with a whole tray of cookies.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase often implies guilt, theft, or evasion. It is not used for neutral or planned departures.
- It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe stealing or appropriating something.
- The new manager made off with all the credit for the team's success. (Figurative use meaning 'took unjustly')
Variants and Related Words
- Abscond (verb): To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection or arrest. (More formal synonym)
- Flee (verb): To run away from a place or situation of danger. (Does not inherently imply taking something)
Synonyms
- Run off
- Bolt
- Escape
- Get away
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Run off with: Similar meaning, to leave with someone or something, often secretly.
- He ran off with his best friend's partner.
- Take off: To leave, especially suddenly. (Does not imply theft)
- I have to take off; I'm late for a meeting.
Related Idioms
- To do a runner (informal, chiefly British): To leave a place quickly to avoid paying or dealing with a situation.
- After dinner, they did a runner without paying the bill.
Verb
- run away; usually includes taking something or somebody along
- The thief made off with our silver
- the accountant absconded with the cash from the safe