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draw away

B2 neutral mixed both
In simple words

To move away from someone or something, or to get further and further ahead.

Literal meaning: To pull or move yourself away from a place or group.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

To move away from others and increase a lead, especially in a race or competition.

"The lead cyclist drew away from the pack on the steep mountain climb."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

To attract or lead someone away from a place or situation.

"The protesters tried to draw the attention of the press away from the main event."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 neutral

To move away from someone or something, often out of discomfort.

"She drew away from the crowd, needing a moment to herself."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

When intransitive, it means to increase a lead. When transitive, it means to attract someone away from a place or situation. Both uses are found in British and American English.

Commonly used with

crowd field rivals attention fire competitors

Forms

Base
draw away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
draws away
he/she/it
Past simple
drew away
yesterday
Past participle
drawn away
have + pp
-ing form
drawing away
continuous

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