hate to eat and run

(I) hate to eat and run.

Cliché an apology made by someone who must leave a social event soon after eating. Bill: Well, I hate to eat and run, but it's getting late. Sue: Oh, you don't have to leave, do you? Bill: I think I really must. Mary: Oh, my goodness! I hate to eat and run, but I have to catch an early plane tomorrow. Bob: Do you have to go? Mary: Afraid so.

See also: and, eat, hate, run