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

1. disappear without notifying anyone (idiom)