To leave a place quietly and secretly, without being noticed
To leave very quietly so no one sees you go
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To leave a place quietly and secretly, without attracting attention
"During the long reception, the couple managed to steal away for a few minutes of quiet time together."
"Steal away, steal away, steal away to Jesus."
— Traditional African-American spiritual, 'Steal Away', attributed to the era of American slavery (19th century)
To gradually disappear or fade away (literary, often of time, life, or opportunity)
"He watched the last hours of his holiday steal away without having written a single word."
To steal (move stealthily like a thief) away from a place
To leave very quietly so no one sees you go
Somewhat literary and poetic in tone. Used in both literal and figurative contexts. Appears in literary texts, songs, and spiritual contexts ('Steal Away to Jesus' is a famous African-American spiritual). Less common in everyday conversation, where 'slip away' or 'sneak away' are more typical.
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