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get away — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb3 meanings
get away
1escape2take a short holiday3avoid punishment

Meaning 1 · most common

escape

  • get away from sb/sth

To leave or escape from a place, situation, or person, especially when it is difficult or you are not supposed to.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The thief tried to get away, but the police caught him.

A: How did you get away from that boring meeting?
B: I told them I had another appointment.

Common mistake

Not: The thief got away of the guards.

Say: The thief got away from the guards.

It's 'get away FROM' someone/something — not 'of'.

More on “escape”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I ever feel stressed, I like to get away from the city and spend some time in nature.

Tell it apart

The robbers got away in a white van.

  • escaped

The robbers got away with it.

  • escaped punishment

Goes with

  • get away (from)
Practice saying this
Next meaning: take a short holiday

Meaning 2

take a short holiday

  • get away to/from somewhere

To go somewhere for a short holiday or break, especially to relax or escape daily routines.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

We’re hoping to get away for a few days next month.

A: Are you doing anything special this weekend?
B: Yeah, I'm getting away to the coast with some friends.

Common mistake

Not: We want to get away for holiday.

Say: We want to get away for a few days. / go away on holiday.

'Get away' takes a time phrase ('for a few days'), not 'for holiday'.

More on “take a short holiday”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Many people try to get away during the summer to recharge and spend time with family.

Tell it apart

We got away to the coast for the weekend.

  • took a short break

We got away from the office early.

  • left/escaped

Goes with

  • get away + break
Practice saying this
Next meaning: avoid punishment

Meaning 3

avoid punishment

  • get away with sth

To avoid being blamed or punished for something wrong or dishonest that you have done.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

He cheated on the exam and got away with it because no one noticed.

A: Did you hear about the politician's scandal?
B: Yeah, but it seems like he's going to get away with it again.

Common mistake

Not: He got away the crime.

Say: He got away with the crime.

For dodging blame, you need 'get away WITH something'.

More on “avoid punishment”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Some people believe that wealthy individuals are more likely to get away with breaking the law due to their influence and resources.

Tell it apart

He got away with it.

  • escaped punishment

He got away from the scene.

  • physically escaped

Goes with

  • get away with
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escapetake a short holidayavoid punishment