1 B2 idiomatic informal
To leave secretly with a romantic partner, especially one of whom others disapprove
"She shocked everyone when she ran off with her colleague and moved abroad."
inseparable
run off with
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To leave secretly with a person (often a romantic partner) or to steal something and escape with it
In plain English
To secretly leave with someone you love (or shouldn't be with), or to steal something and run away
What does "run off with" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To steal something and escape with it
"The thief ran off with her handbag before anyone could react."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To run away while taking something or someone — fairly transparent
Actually means
To secretly leave with someone you love (or shouldn't be with), or to steal something and run away
Usage tip
The romantic sense often implies disapproval from others. The theft sense is somewhat humorous when used about minor items (e.g., 'the dog ran off with my sandwich').
Words that pair with "run off with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
lover secretary money jewels prize sandwich
How to conjugate "run off with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
run off with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs off with
he/she/it
Past simple
ran off with
yesterday
Past participle
run off with
have + pp
-ing form
running off with
continuous
Hear "run off with" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "run off with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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