get away

To escape from someone or something trying to catch or hold you.

• The thief got away.
• We ran, but the dog got away from us.
• Did anyone see how the prisoner got away?

How to use it: get away from someone/something (The prisoner got away from the guards.)

Similar words: escape, flee

Common phrases: get away safely, get away unnoticed

To move farther from a person, place, or thing.

• Get away from the hot stove.
• We got away from the edge.
• Can you get away from the door, please?

How to use it: get away from someone/something (Get away from the fire.)

Similar words: move away, back away

Opposites: approach

Common phrases: get away quickly, get away now

To leave your usual surroundings for a rest or holiday.

• I need to get away.
• We got away for a few days last month.
• Could we get away to the mountains this weekend?

How to use it: get away for + time (We got away for a weekend.); get away to somewhere (They got away to the coast.)

Similar words: take a break, go on holiday

Common phrases: get away together, get away somewhere

If something escapes your control, you can no longer manage it.

• Things are getting away from me.
• The project got away from us as costs rose.
• Do not let the conversation get away from you.

How to use it: get away from someone (The situation got away from us.)

Similar words: get out of control

Common phrases: get away completely, get away somehow

To leave a place or begin a journey.

• We hope to get away early.
• The coach got away ten minutes late.
• What time did the train get away?

How to use it: get away at + time (We got away at six.)

Similar words: depart, leave, set off

Opposites: arrive

Common phrases: get away early, get away promptly

An expression showing that you find something surprising or hard to believe.

• Get away! You won first prize?
• You paid only five pounds? Oh, get away!
• Get away! I cannot believe she said that.

Similar words: no way!, you’re kidding!

Common phrases: oh get away, get away really