English Reference

Phrasal verb

get away

Definitions

01to escape

A2 · Elementary

phr.v. to escape from someone or something that is chasing you.

phr.v. to escape from capture or pursuit. This sense is intransitive but often takes 'from' to specify the source of confinement.

“The thief managed to get away before the police arrived at the shop.”

“The suspect managed to get away through a narrow alleyway, successfully evading the officers who had been pursuing him on foot.”

Synonyms

escapefleebreak free

Antonyms

remainstay

02to go on holiday

B1 · Intermediate

phr.v. to go somewhere for a holiday or a short break to relax.

phr.v. to leave one's home or usual environment for the purpose of rest or vacation.

“We are hoping to get away for a few days this summer.”

“After a particularly stressful quarter at the firm, the partners decided to get away to the coast for a long weekend of rest.”

Synonyms

vacationholiday

03to move away

A2 · Elementary

phr.v. to move yourself away from a person or a specific spot.

phr.v. to physically distance oneself from a person, object, or location.

“Get away from the stove while it is still hot.”

“The security guards instructed the crowd to get away from the barrier to ensure the motorcade could pass safely.”

Synonyms

withdrawretreat

Antonyms

approach

Teaching tip

distinguish between the literal sense of escaping a pursuer and the metaphorical sense of going on holiday; the noun form 'getaway' is also a common related compound.

Etymology

get + away

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Phrasal verb

Particles

away

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

get + away (+ from + object)

Synonyms

fleeescapeleavebreak free

Antonyms

stayremainbe caught

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · ElementaryOxford
Updated

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English Reference