# steal away

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/steal-away
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to leave a place quietly and secretly so that nobody notices you.

For teachers: to depart in a secretive or stealthy manner, often to avoid detection or social obligation. The verb is intransitive in this sense, though it can occasionally take a reflexive object in literary contexts.

## Examples

- We decided to steal away before the party ended.
- As the sun began to set, she managed to steal away from the meeting to enjoy a moment of peace.
- Under the cover of a moonless night, the scouts managed to steal away from the enemy camp without alerting the guards.

## Usage notes

- often used with 'from' to indicate the place or group being left behind.
- Teaching tip: this phrase carries a more poetic or literary tone than 'slip away' or 'sneak out'; it often implies a desire for privacy or escape rather than just being sneaky.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.