Meaning
To escape from a place or situation by running.
Cultural Background
The 'runaway' is a common archetype in American literature, representing the search for freedom. The concept of 'hikikomori' (social withdrawal) is sometimes contrasted with the active act of 'running away'. In British English, 'run away' is often used in the context of boarding school stories. In many cultures, running away from home is seen as a desperate act of youth rebellion.
Use 'from'
Always remember to add 'from' if you are naming the place or person you are escaping.
Don't use for normal leaving
Only use this if there is a sense of urgency or avoidance.
Meaning
To escape from a place or situation by running.
Use 'from'
Always remember to add 'from' if you are naming the place or person you are escaping.
Don't use for normal leaving
Only use this if there is a sense of urgency or avoidance.
Metaphorical use
Using it for 'problems' or 'responsibilities' makes you sound very natural.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'run away'.
The thief _____ from the police yesterday.
The sentence is in the past tense, so we use 'ran'.
Choose the sentence that uses 'run away' correctly.
Which sentence is correct?
You must use 'from' when you have an object.
Complete the dialogue.
Person A: 'Why are you leaving?' Person B: 'This party is boring, I want to _____.'
In this context, 'run away' means to leave a place you don't like.
Match the situation to the correct meaning.
A person is scared of a bear. They...
Running away is the correct action for escaping danger.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe thief _____ from the police yesterday.
The sentence is in the past tense, so we use 'ran'.
Which sentence is correct?
You must use 'from' when you have an object.
Person A: 'Why are you leaving?' Person B: 'This party is boring, I want to _____.'
In this context, 'run away' means to leave a place you don't like.
A person is scared of a bear. They...
Running away is the correct action for escaping danger.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'My dog ran away' is very common.
It can be if you say it to someone's face, like 'Run away from me!'
The past tense is 'ran away'.
No, you must say 'I ran away from the room'.
Yes, but 'flee' is more formal.
Only if you are talking about a difficult situation you handled, but be careful.
Run (rhymes with fun) + a-way.
Yes, it is.
Yes, 'I wanted to run away from the meeting' is a great way to express boredom.
No, it is often metaphorical.
Related Phrases
Run off
synonymTo leave suddenly.
Make a run for it
similarTo attempt to escape.
Flee the scene
synonymTo leave a crime scene.
Bolt
synonymTo run away quickly.
