What does “Make yourself scarce” mean?
"Make yourself scarce" means to leave or disappear quickly in order to avoid someone or something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
When the boss walked in, I made myself scarce.
Example
I saw my ex at the party and decided to make myself scarce.
Example
The teacher caught me talking in class, so I made myself scarce for the rest of the day
Is “Make yourself scarce” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Make yourself scarce” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Make yourself scarce” effectively in context?
You can use "Make yourself scarce" when you want to express the idea of leaving or disappearing quickly in order to avoid someone or something. It implies a desire to avoid confrontation or unwanted attention. For example, if you see someone you don't want to talk to at a party, you might say, 'I saw my ex at the party and decided to make myself scarce.'
- 1Avoiding someone
When the boss walked in, I made myself scarce.
- 2Social situations
I saw my ex at the party and decided to make myself scarce.
- 3Consequences
The teacher caught me talking in class, so I made myself scarce for the rest of the day.
Similar phrases to “Make yourself scarce”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Make yourself scarce” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Make yourself scarce" is unknown.
Is “Make yourself scarce” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Make yourself scarce" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe their actions of avoiding someone or something by leaving or disappearing quickly.
What tone does “Make yourself scarce” have?
"Make yourself scarce" conveys a tone of wanting to avoid confrontation or unwanted attention. It suggests a desire to remove oneself from a situation without drawing attention to the act of leaving.
Can “Make yourself scarce” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Make yourself scarce" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of leaving or disappearing quickly to avoid someone or something. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'When the boss walked in, I made myself scarce.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "make yourself scarce"!' to imply the need to leave quickly.
