run away

What does "run away" mean?

1. To leave a place or person quickly to escape
2. To leave home secretly without permission
3. To avoid dealing with a problem or responsibility

Examples

• The thief ran away when he saw the police.
• She ran away from home when she was sixteen.
• You can't run away from your problems forever.
• The cat ran away and hid under the bed.
• Don't run away from difficult conversations.

How to use it

'Runaway' (noun/adjective) describes someone who has left home, or something out of control. 'Run away from' problems is a common metaphor for avoidance.

Similar expressions

Opposites

Related phrasal verbs

• run by

  To tell someone about an idea to get their opinion

• run out

  To use all of something so there is none left

• run into

  To meet someone by chance

• run over

  To hit someone or something with a vehicle

• run up

  To accumulate a large bill or debt

• run down

  To criticize someone unfairly