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race off

B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To run or drive away very fast, as if in a race.

Literal meaning: To race away — to depart at racing speed.

Meanings

1 B1 informal

To leave a place very quickly, as if racing.

"As soon as the bell rang, the students raced off to the cafeteria."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 informal

Of a vehicle, to depart at high speed.

"The sports car raced off down the motorway before anyone could get a look at the driver."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Describes rapid departure from a location, often with a sense of urgency or excitement. Can be used literally (a person or vehicle leaving at speed) or slightly figuratively. Common in both British and American English. Sometimes used in a competitive context where someone leaves quickly to beat others.

Commonly used with

car start line finish line crowd immediately home

Forms

Base
race off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
races off
he/she/it
Past simple
raced off
yesterday
Past participle
raced off
have + pp
-ing form
racing off
continuous

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