make off with
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
Steal something and run away with it.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To steal something and flee with it.
"Thieves broke into the gallery and made off with three paintings valued at over a million pounds."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To take something that does not belong to you and leave before being noticed.
"Someone made off with my umbrella from the stand near the entrance."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Almost exclusively used in contexts of theft. Very common in police reports, news headlines, and crime fiction. The object always follows 'with'.
Commonly used with
cash jewellery valuables laptop bags money
Forms
Base
make off with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
makes off with
he/she/it
Past simple
made off with
yesterday
Past participle
made off with
have + pp
-ing form
making off with
continuous
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Synonyms
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