Idiom
do a runner
Meanings
To leave suddenly or secretly to avoid paying, being caught, or facing responsibility.
Definition
To do a runner means to leave suddenly or secretly, especially to avoid paying or taking responsibility.
If someone does a runner, they quickly leave a place without warning, usually to avoid a difficult situation. It is often used when someone escapes without paying a bill, or runs away to avoid trouble. The phrase is common in informal British English and suggests deliberate avoidance.
Examples
- He did a runner before the police arrived.
- Two customers did a runner without paying for their meal.
- When the argument started, she did a runner and left everyone stunned.
- I think the tenant has done a runner; the flat is empty and the keys are gone.
Common mistake
Learners often use it for any quick exit, but it usually implies leaving to avoid paying or responsibility, not simply leaving early.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.