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scurry away

B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To run away quickly with tiny fast steps, like a mouse or someone who is scared or embarrassed

Literal meaning: To scurry (move quickly with short steps) away from a place — transparent

Meanings

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."

Grammar: inseparable
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."

Grammar: 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."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

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.

Commonly used with

mice rats crowd quickly hastily embarrassed

Forms

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

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Synonyms

scamper off scuttle away dart away hurry away dash off flee

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