Phrasal verb
make off
To make off means to leave quickly, often to escape after doing something wrong.
Meanings
to leave quickly in order to escape, especially after stealing or doing something wrong
to hurry away suddenly from a place
Definition
Make off is a phrasal verb meaning to run away or leave a place quickly, usually to avoid being caught. It is often used after theft or a sudden incident. In everyday speech, it suggests a fast, sneaky escape rather than a normal departure.
Examples
- I saw the cyclist make off with my phone and disappear around the corner.
- You can’t just make off without saying goodbye after dinner.
- He tried to make off through the back gate when the alarm went off.
- She made off as soon as she realized she’d left her oven on.
- They made off down the beach when the rain started.
Common mistake
Learners often forget the particle and say “make” instead of “make off,” or use it for a normal, planned departure.
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.