run off
B1 informal separable both
In simple words
To go away fast, to print something, or when water flows away somewhere
Literal meaning: To run in an outward or away direction — fairly transparent for the departure sense
Meanings
1 A2 informal
To leave a place quickly and without warning, often irresponsibly
"The kids ran off before I could tell them dinner was ready."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To print or photocopy multiple copies of a document
"Could you run off fifty copies of this handout before the meeting?"
Grammar: separable
3 B1 neutral
For liquid to flow away or drain from a surface
"The rainwater ran off the roof into the gutters."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The 'printing' sense is very common in office settings ('run off some copies'). The departure sense is informal and often implies irresponsibility. British and American English use all senses.
Commonly used with
copies water excess flyer quickly children
Forms
Base
run off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
runs off
he/she/it
Past simple
ran off
yesterday
Past participle
run off
have + pp
-ing form
running off
continuous
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