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have it away

C1 slang inseparable intransitive

British slang meaning either to have sex with someone, or to steal something and escape.

In plain English

To secretly be with someone romantically, or to steal something and run off.

What does "have it away" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 C1 idiomatic slang

(British slang) To have sex with someone.

"Rumours spread around the office that he'd been having it away with his colleague."

inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic slang

(British slang) To steal something and escape with it.

"The thieves had it away with three paintings before the alarm even sounded."

inseparable
Usage tip

Strongly British slang. The sexual sense ('have it away with someone') is vulgar and informal. The stealing sense ('have it away with the cash') is also informal and dated. Both senses are considered low register.

Words that pair with "have it away"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

with someone cash goods on one's toes

How to conjugate "have it away"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
have it away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
has it away
he/she/it
Past simple
had it away
yesterday
Past participle
had it away
have + pp
-ing form
having it away
continuous

Hear "have it away" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "have it away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

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