student asking question

What does "scare someone off" mean in this sentence?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

If you "scare off" a person (or animal), you frighten them so that they go away. That is why he suggests "making a noise", as this would frighten her and make her leave. Ex: Don't make a sound or you will scare them off. Ex: If you yell you'll scare her off.

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