The Village Idiom

run off with

The idiom "run off with" means to leave quickly and unexpectedly with someone or something, often in a secretive or unauthorized manner. It implies a sense of impulsiveness and abandonment, suggesting a departure without prior notice or agreement.

Filed under R

In a sentence

  • She decided to run off with her boyfriend and start a new life abroad.
  • The thief ran off with the valuable necklace before anyone noticed.
  • After winning the lottery, he ran off with the prize money without telling anyone.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "run off" is closely related to "run off with" and shares a similar meaning. When someone "runs off," it means they suddenly leave or escape from a particular place or situation. This can refer to a physical departure or an emotional escape. It implies a sense of urgency or spontaneity, as if the person cannot stay in their current situation any longer. The phrase "run off" can be used in various contexts, such as a child running off from their parents in a park or an employee running off from a boring meeting.

In contrast, the idiom "run off at the mouth" has a slightly different meaning. It refers to someone who talks excessively or without restraint. If someone is "running off at the mouth," it means they are speaking so much and so quickly that it may be difficult for others to keep up or for their words to hold much meaning. This idiom often implies that the person is talking in a careless or thoughtless manner, without considering the impact or relevance of their words. It can be used to describe someone who is rambling on and on in a conversation or someone who is constantly interrupting others to share their thoughts.

An additional idiom related to "run off with" is "run out of town." This phrase means to force someone to leave a place or community, usually due to their behavior being unacceptable or disliked by others. When someone is "run out of town," it implies a collective decision or action by the community to expel that person, often as a form of punishment or retaliation. This idiom can be used to describe situations where a public figure is driven out of a position of power or when a business is boycotted by customers and eventually shuts down. It carries a strong sense of social disapproval and rejection.

The idiom "run off with" is commonly used in the English language to describe a situation where someone leaves or abandons their current position or situation to be with someone else. It carries a connotation of impulsiveness, betrayal, and disregard for prior commitments. This idiom has its roots in the early 19th century, when it specifically referred to romantic elopements. Over time, its usage has expanded to encompass a broader range of meanings, including situations where someone takes or steals something in a hurried or sneaky manner. Additionally, related idioms such as "run off," "walk off with," "run off at the mouth," "run about," and "run out of town" add further nuances to the concept of abrupt departure, stealing, excessive talking, energetic movement, and collective exclusion.

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