Definition

1. 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

1. 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