skip town
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (idiom): - To leave a place, especially one's home or a town/city, suddenly and secretly, typically to avoid something unpleasant such as debts, legal trouble, or responsibilities.
Usage
This idiom is used informally to describe a person's abrupt and furtive departure. It strongly implies an intention to evade consequences and is often used in contexts involving crime, financial trouble, or personal obligations.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- The idiom can be used in various tenses: , , , .
- It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting cowardice, irresponsibility, or guilt.
- While "town" is in the phrase, it can apply to leaving a city, state, or even country in this manner.
Variants and Related Words
- Abscond (verb): To leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection or arrest. (More formal than "skip town").
- Vamoose (verb, informal): To depart quickly.
- Fly the coop (idiom): To escape or leave suddenly.
Synonyms
- Flee
- Disappear
- Run away
- Take off
- Bolt
Related Phrases
- Do a moonlight flit: (idiom, chiefly British) To leave a place at night to avoid paying rent or debts.
- Leave town in a hurry: A more literal and less idiomatic way to express a similar idea.
Notes
"Skip town" is an inseparable phrasal verb idiom. The object (the person leaving) is the subject of the sentence. You do not "skip" the town itself; you "skip" from the town. The phrase functions as a single unit of meaning.
Verb
- disappear without notifying anyone (idiom)