made a getaway

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "made a getaway" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone escaping from a situation, often after committing a crime or avoiding capture. Example: "After the bank robbery, the thieves made a getaway in a stolen car, leaving the police in pursuit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

CCTV footage showed how the man's bike became stuck under the car, which reversed and then drove back over the bike at speed as it made a getaway.

The Guardian

The absconders reportedly vandalized a bird feeder and plastic cabinet on a patio before they snatched a sack of bird feed from the cabinet and made a getaway into the woods along I-66 nearby.

The Washington Post

But King Kong has since stolen it behind the man's back and made a getaway.

Duke University

A robber carrying a claw hammer demanded money from a cashier at a La Cañada Blockbuster Video store, then made a getaway by car.

Los Angeles Times

Oil!" Zeb taught himself computer hacking, siphoned money from his father's embezzled accounts, and made a getaway with his brother Adam, a key figure in the events that follow.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It seemed he could make a getaway through the thin crowd.

The New York Times

They then waited until business slowed enough to make a getaway.

The New Yorker

You come in here for a little quick cash, you want to make a getaway.

The New Yorker

He even manages to change the wallpaper on her PC before making a getaway while she is in the room.

Independent

One bee makes a getaway with its stash gathered neatly in the pollen baskets, called corbiculae, on its hind legs.

The New York Times

A witness described a white SUV making a getaway from the scene of the Ramos and Gray murders.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "made a getaway" to describe a quick or urgent escape, especially when someone is trying to avoid capture or consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "made a getaway" in situations where a simple departure is intended. This phrase carries a connotation of urgency and potentially illicit activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "made a getaway" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action. It specifically describes the act of escaping quickly, typically to avoid capture or consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "made a getaway" describes a hurried escape, often from a crime scene or precarious situation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare. It carries a connotation of urgency and should be used appropriately. It commonly appears in news reports and general descriptive writing, taking a neutral register and functioning to inform the reader about an act of rapid flight. When seeking alternative phrases, consider options like "escaped" or "fled the scene".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escaped

Focuses on the act of getting free from confinement or danger. It's more general and doesn't necessarily imply speed or urgency.

fled the scene

Highlights leaving a location quickly, often associated with avoiding consequences or capture.

took flight

Implies a rapid and sometimes panicked departure, often used metaphorically.

absconded

Suggests a secretive and often illegal departure, usually involving taking something of value.

slipped away

Emphasizes a discreet or unnoticed departure, often to avoid attention.

ran off

Indicates a hasty and often unplanned departure, suggesting a lack of organization.

broke free

Highlights the act of overcoming restraint or confinement in order to escape.

darted away

Focuses on the quick and sudden nature of the escape.

bolted

Implies a sudden and uncontrolled burst of speed in escaping.

took off

Suggests a rapid and energetic departure, similar to taking flight.

FAQs

What does "made a getaway" mean?

The phrase "made a getaway" describes the act of quickly escaping, often from a crime scene or an undesirable situation. It implies a hurried departure to avoid being caught or facing consequences.

What can I say instead of "made a getaway"?

You can use alternatives like "escaped", "fled the scene", or "took flight" depending on the context.

Is "made a getaway" formal or informal?

"Made a getaway" is generally considered a neutral phrase suitable for news reports and general writing. While not overly formal, it isn't strictly informal either. More formal alternatives may exist depending on the specific context.

How to use "made a getaway" in a sentence?

You can use "made a getaway" in a sentence like: "After robbing the bank, the thieves "made a getaway" in a stolen car." Ensure the context implies a quick escape.