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get away

A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To escape from something or someone, or to go on a short trip to relax.

Literal meaning: To move away from a place — directly connected to the idiomatic senses of escape and travel.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To escape from a person, place, or dangerous situation.

"The thief managed to get away before the police arrived."

"You'll never get away with this!"

— Common villain/hero exchange; widely used in film and TV, including numerous James Bond films
Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To take a short holiday or break away from your normal routine.

"We're hoping to get away for a few days at the coast."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

Used as an exclamation of surprise or disbelief. (British English)

"'She won the lottery.' 'Get away! Really?'"

Usage notes

As an exclamation ('Get away!'), it expresses surprise or disbelief, mainly in British English. 'Get away from it all' is a set phrase meaning to take a relaxing break from daily life.

Commonly used with

holiday break murderer thief weekend stress

Forms

Base
get away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets away
he/she/it
Past simple
got away
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten away
have + pp
-ing form
getting away
continuous

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Synonyms

escape flee break free take a break leave slip away

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