Phrasal verb
get away
Meanings
to escape from someone or something; to leave and avoid being caught
to go somewhere for a short holiday or break from daily life
to avoid punishment or serious consequences for doing something wrong
Definition
To get away means to leave a place, especially to escape or go on a short trip.
To get away can mean to escape from a place, person, or situation. It can also mean to go somewhere for a short break or vacation. In informal speech, it can mean to avoid punishment or blame for something wrong.
Examples
- I managed to get away before the crowd filled the hallway.
- You should get away for the weekend if you can.
- He tried to get away, but the guard stopped him at the door.
- She can’t believe he got away with blaming the mistake on the computer.
- They plan to get away to the coast after exams.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "get away" (escape/leave) with "go away" (simply leave or stop bothering someone).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.