make off

British  

verb

1. (intr, adverb) to go or run away in haste

2. to steal or abduct

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make off Idioms  

1. Depart in haste, run away, as in The cat took one look at Richard and made off . [c. 1700]

2. make off with . Take something away; also, steal something, as in I can't write it down; Tom made off with my pen , or The burglars made off with the stereo and computer as well as jewelry . [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

But when they opened the door to try to make off with the car, his private security—an armed former New York City police officer—was sitting in the front seat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 24, 2025

If he can't get a good internet connection then customers can, by accident or design, make off without paying.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2024

It was no small feat to make off with about 30 feet of artificial turf from outside Stoller’s Studio City townhouse early Wednesday morning.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2023

“It was about jewelry, so it’s a bit different,” said Ms. Carlier, who will be showing medieval and Renaissance works, ones that are harder to make off with.

From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2023

‘It seemed to make off up the Road, eastward,’ continued Merry.

From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien