run away

run away (from someone or something)

To flee or escape (from someone or something). When I was a teenager, I ran away from home at one point and lived on the streets for nearly a month. I can't find my dog. I hope he didn't run away. The soldier was court-martialed for running away during the skirmish.

See also: away, run, someone

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

run away (from someone or something)

to flee someone or something. Please don't run away from me. I mean you no harm. Our dog ran away from the lawn mower.

See also: away, run

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

run away

1. Flee, escape, as in Our dog is no watchdog; he runs away from strangers, or Our six-year-old said he'd run away from home. [Late 1300s]

2. Also, run off. Leave secretly, especially to elope, as in She ran away from home when she was only thirteen, or They ran off to Maryland and got married by a justice of the peace. [Early 1600s]

3. it won't run away. An object, activity, or issue will not disappear, as in You can leave, but when you come back the mess in the kitchen will still be there-it won't run away, you know! This jocular assurance of permanence dates from the late 1800s. Also see run away with.

See also: away, run

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

run away

v.

1. To flee; escape: As the soldiers approached the town, many people ran away. The mouse ran away from the cat.

2. To secretly leave one's home to escape it: Every year, many teenagers run away and never return home.

3. To secretly leave one's home to elope or have a romantic relationship: They didn't want to deal with a big wedding, so they ran away to Las Vegas.

4. run away with To surpass an opponent and attain some prize: They ran away with the championship, defeating every opponent handily.

See also: away, run

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.