English Reference

Phrasal verb

make off

Definition

phrasal verb. to leave a place very quickly, usually because you are trying to escape or avoid being caught.

phrasal verb. to depart hurriedly, especially to avoid capture or detection. The verb is intransitive in this sense.

Examples

“The burglars made off before the police arrived.”

“As soon as the window broke, the kids made off down the alleyway to avoid getting into trouble.”

“Despite the heavy security presence, the pickpocket managed to make off into the crowded market, vanishing before the victim realized their wallet was gone.”

Examples

simple

“The burglars made off before the police arrived.”

contextual

“As soon as the window broke, the kids made off down the alleyway to avoid getting into trouble.”

complex

“Despite the heavy security presence, the pickpocket managed to make off into the crowded market, vanishing before the victim realized their wallet was gone.”

Usage

This phrase usually implies a sense of guilt or a need for a quick escape.

Teaching tip

Help students distinguish this from 'make off with', which specifically means to steal something while escaping.

Pitfall

I made off from the meeting early because I was tired.

I left the meeting early because I was tired.

'Make off' implies escaping from trouble or a crime, not just leaving a normal social situation.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

make + off

Synonyms

fleeescaperun awaybolt

Antonyms

stayremain

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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