Phrasal verb
make off
Meanings
to leave quickly in order to escape, especially after stealing or doing something wrong
to hurry away suddenly from a place
Definition
To make off means to leave quickly, often to escape after doing something wrong.
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.