haul off

verb

1. informal,  (foll by and) to draw back in preparation (esp to strike or fight)

   I hauled off and slugged him

2. nautical to alter the course of a vessel so as to avoid an obstruction, shallow waters, etc

Idioms and Phrases

Draw back slightly, in preparation for some action. For example, He hauled off and smacked his brother in the face . [c. 1800]

Also, haul out . Shift operations to a new place, move away. For example, The group gradually hauled off to the West Coast , or The train hauled out just as I arrived . [Second half of 1800s]