Definition

Verb: - To flee or run away hastily, especially to avoid capture or an unpleasant situation. It implies a quick and often secretive departure.

Usage

The verb "scarper" is used to describe the act of leaving a place very quickly, typically because one is in danger, has done something wrong, or wants to avoid something. It is informal and is often used in British English.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to scarper with (something)": to flee while taking something, often something that does not belong to you.
  • The cashier scarpered with the day's takings.

Variants and Related Words

• Scarpering (gerund/noun): The act of fleeing.
  • His sudden scarpering made everyone suspicious.

Synonyms

• Flee: To run away, as from danger or pursuit.
• Run off: To leave quickly.
• Escape: To get free from confinement or danger.
• Bolt: To make a sudden, swift dash or escape.
• Abscond: To depart secretly and hide oneself, often to avoid legal action.

Phrasal Verbs

• Run away: To leave a place or situation quickly.
  • The children ran away from the barking dog.
• Take off: To leave, especially in a hurry.
  • He took off as soon as he saw his ex-girlfriend arrive.

Related Idioms

• To cut and run: To abandon a situation hastily.
  • When the project got too difficult, he just cut and run.
• To show a clean pair of heels: To run away very fast.
  • The sprinter showed his rivals a clean pair of heels.

Verb

1. flee; take to one's heels; cut and run
   • If you see this man, run!
   • The burglars escaped before the police showed up