pull away
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
to go away from someone or something
Literal meaning: Literally, to pull and create distance away.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
to move a vehicle or person away from a place
"The taxi pulled away before I could wave again."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
to remove yourself from someone's touch or hold
"She pulled away when he tried to hug her."
Grammar: inseparable
3 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to become emotionally less involved or connected
"He started to pull away after their last argument."
Grammar: inseparable
4 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to increase the distance between yourself and competitors
"Our runner pulled away on the final lap."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common in driving, physical contact, relationships, and races. Meaning depends strongly on context.
Commonly used with
from the curb from him from the group in the race car hand
Forms
Base
pull away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pulls away
he/she/it
Past simple
pulled away
yesterday
Past participle
pulled away
have + pp
-ing form
pulling away
continuous
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Synonyms
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