haul off

British  

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

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haul off Idioms  

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

2. 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]

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Example Sentences

If Quentin Tarantino pastiche were a crime, these films would be hauled off to the clink.

From Salon

No Bride of Haarlem tree filled the air with fragrance; only the stump had been too big to haul off for firewood.

From Literature

Up until then everything that had happened had made my old heart as heavy as lead, but when the little mare gave me that push it just hauled off and melted.

From Literature

The South Korean was hooked moments later, looking frustrated to be hauled off with just minutes remaining despite the hearty applause.

From Barron's

The Basque manager rotated his pack heavily, to the chagrin of players like Vinicius Junior, who was benched on several occasions and hauled off early on others.

From Barron's