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]

Example Sentences

He was tackled and handcuffed and hauled off in cars, trucks and vans.

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They were arrested there, and hauled off to a hotel in Abidjan, Ivory Coast's main city, effectively ending the five-month conflict.

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Naturally, things go awry and Emily almost succeeds in offing Stephanie to keep her secret, only to be foiled at the last minute and hauled off to the clink.

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The latter was hauled off at half-time against the Finns, while Weir and Cuthbert were reduced to long-range drives to unleash their obvious frustration.

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“I couldn’t believe he had such self-awareness to continue to campaign while he’s being hauled off. I mean, he’s fearless. He’s indestructible.”

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