vamose

Definition

Verb (slang, chiefly US): - To leave quickly or abruptly: "vamose" means to depart hastily, often to escape a situation or avoid trouble. It is an informal, somewhat dated term.

Usage Examples
  • (We should leave quickly to avoid being caught.)
  • (The thieves fled hastily.)
  • (The students left abruptly.)
Advanced Usage
  • "vamose the scene": to leave a particular location swiftly.
    • He vamosed the scene as soon as the argument started. (He left the place quickly to avoid conflict.)
  • "vamose with something": to depart while taking something, often stealthily.
    • She vamosed with the last piece of cake before anyone noticed. (She left quickly, taking the cake.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Vamoose (verb): a common alternative spelling of "vamose," meaning the same thing.
    • Let's vamoose — this party is getting too loud. (Let's leave quickly.)
  • Scram (verb): a synonym meaning to leave quickly, often used in commands.
    • Scram! The teacher is coming. (Leave immediately!)
Synonyms
  • Bolt: to run away suddenly.
    • The rabbit bolted when it saw the fox. (The rabbit fled quickly.)
  • Decamp: to leave a place suddenly or secretly.
    • The soldiers decamped under cover of darkness. (They left stealthily.)
  • Skidaddle: informal term for leaving quickly.
    • Time to skidaddle before the rain starts. (Time to leave hastily.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Vamose out: to exit or depart with urgency.
    • They vamosed out of the meeting as soon as it ended. (They left the meeting promptly.)
  • Vamose off: to leave a place, often to avoid something.
    • He vamosed off to the countryside to escape the city noise. (He departed to a quieter location.)
Related Idioms
  • Make a quick getaway: to leave rapidly, especially after doing something wrong.
    • The burglar made a quick getaway through the back window. (The burglar escaped swiftly.)
  • Take a powder: slang meaning to leave or disappear suddenly.
    • He took a powder before the bill arrived. (He left quickly to avoid paying.)

Note: "Vamose" is considered informal and somewhat archaic in modern English, but it is still understood in casual speech, especially in American English. It is rarely used in formal writing.