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Phrasal verbs "make away with" vs "make off with"

Differences between make away with and make off with

Make away with and make off with are both used to describe stealing or taking something without permission, but make off with is more commonly used to describe a quick escape after stealing, while make away with can also mean to get rid of something or to escape.

Meanings and Definitions: make away with vs make off with

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Make away with

  • 1Steal.

    The thieves MADE AWAY WITH the painting.

Make off with

  • 1Steal.

    Thieves MADE OFF WITH over a million dollars in the robbery.

Usage Examples: make away with, make off with 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 with

Example

The burglar made off with the family's valuable jewelry.

Example

He makes off with the stolen money before the police arrive.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make away with

dispose of

To get rid of something or throw it away.

Example

He decided to dispose of his old clothes to make room for new ones.

escape

To leave or get away from a place or situation.

Example

She managed to escape from the kidnappers and call the police.

withdraw

To remove or take something away from a place or situation.

Example

He had to withdraw his support for the project due to budget constraints.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Make off with

run away with

To steal or take something and quickly escape.

Example

The thief ran away with the woman's purse before anyone could stop him.

abscond with

To steal or take something and flee to avoid punishment.

Example

The embezzler absconded with millions of dollars from the company before being caught.

snatch and grab

To quickly steal or take something and run away.

Example

The shoplifter performed a snatch and grab operation, stealing several items before being caught by security.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Differences in make away with vs make off with: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: make away with or make off with?

In everyday conversation, make off with is more common than make away with. This is because make off with is used more frequently in news reports and crime dramas. Make away with is less common and can be used in a broader sense than just stealing.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of make away with and make off with

Make away with and make off with 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 with

The tone of make away with and make off with can differ based on context. Make off with often carries a negative or criminal tone when related to stealing or escaping, while make away with can have a more neutral or even positive tone when referring to getting rid of something or escaping from a situation.

make away with & make off with: Synonyms and Antonyms

Make away with

Synonyms

Make off with

Synonyms

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