1 B1 neutral
To move away quickly with short, rapid steps, typically in a nervous, timid, or furtive manner (especially of small animals)
"The mouse scurried away when the kitchen light came on."
inseparable
scurry away
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To move away quickly with short, rapid steps, often in a furtive or nervous manner
In plain English
To run away quickly with tiny fast steps, like a mouse or someone who is scared or embarrassed
What does "scurry away" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To leave a place quickly and quietly, usually to avoid embarrassment, blame, or confrontation
"After knocking over the display, the child scurried away before anyone could see who had done it."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
(Figurative) To withdraw quickly from a difficult situation or responsibility
"The politician scurried away from reporters after the scandal broke."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To scurry (move quickly with short steps) away from a place — transparent
Actually means
To run away quickly with tiny fast steps, like a mouse or someone who is scared or embarrassed
Usage tip
Often used to describe animals (especially rodents) or people moving away in a hurried, furtive manner. Carries connotations of timidity, embarrassment, or wanting to avoid notice. Common in both literal and figurative/literary uses.
Words that pair with "scurry away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
mice rats crowd quickly hastily embarrassed
How to conjugate "scurry away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
scurry away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scurries away
he/she/it
Past simple
scurried away
yesterday
Past participle
scurried away
have + pp
-ing form
scurrying away
continuous
Hear "scurry away" in the wild
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