Differences between make away with and make off
Make away with and make off have similar meanings but are used in different contexts. Make away with means to steal or take something without permission, while make off means to leave quickly or escape from a situation.
Meanings and Definitions: make away with vs make off
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Make away with
- 1Steal.
The thieves MADE AWAY WITH the painting.
Make off
- 1Leave somewhere in a hurry.
They MADE OFF when they heard the police siren.
Usage Examples: make away with, make off in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
make away with
Example
The burglars made away with the expensive jewelry.
Example
He makes away with the stolen goods before anyone notices.
make off
Example
The thieves made off with the stolen goods.
Example
He makes off as soon as he sees the security guard.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make away with
To take something without permission or unlawfully.
Example
Someone broke into the store and stole all the cash from the register.
To steal small amounts of something over time.
Example
The employee was fired for pilfering office supplies from the company.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make off
To run away suddenly and quickly.
Example
When the fireworks started, the scared dog bolted from the backyard.
To leave quickly or run away in a playful or humorous way.
Example
The kids skedaddled from the park when they heard the ice cream truck coming.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “make”
Phrasal Verbs with “away with”
Phrasal Verbs with “off”
- top off
- pull off
- slough off
- drop off
- slope off
Differences in make away with vs make off: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: make away with or make off?
In everyday conversation, make off is more common than make away with. This is because make off can be used in a variety of situations, such as leaving a party early or escaping from danger. Make away with, on the other hand, is more specific to stealing or taking something without permission.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of make away with and make off
Make away with and make off are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of make away with and make off
The tone of make away with and make off can differ based on context. Make away with often carries a negative or criminal tone when related to stealing or taking something without permission, while make off typically has a neutral or even humorous tone, especially when referring to leaving quickly or escaping from a situation.
