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."
inseparable
draw away
B2 neutral mixed transitive/intransitive
To move away from a group or person, or to increase a lead over competitors.
In plain English
To move away from someone or something, or to get further and further ahead.
What does "draw away" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pull or move yourself away from a place or group.
Actually means
To move away from someone or something, or to get further and further ahead.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "draw away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
crowd field rivals attention fire competitors
How to conjugate "draw away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "draw away" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "draw away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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