make a hasty exit

USAGE SUMMARY

"make a hasty exit" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to leave quickly or abruptly. Example: After realizing she had forgotten her wallet at home, Sarah had to make a hasty exit from the restaurant before the bill arrived.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I apologise to the woman I am with and make a hasty exit, aware that I have left paperwork incomplete and will be reprimanded for this later.

The Guardian

Alarmed by a) the fact I apparently could pass as a murderer, and b) that I'm standing in an establishment where this isn't a problem, I make a hasty exit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The dolphins make a hasty exit to open water, but in their absence a familiar figure steps into the frame: Shamin, waist deep in the ocean, still in uniform shorts and polo shirt, initiating a game with the kids.

The Guardian - Travel

Yesterday, in an opinion that made no reference to the settlement, Judge Kaplan discussed the bidding process and noted one potential problem: if the case could not be settled for more than the winning bidder's maximum figure, the firm would have no incentive to pursue the case and would "make a hasty exit".

The New York Times

When a sale is finalized, the furniture, accessories and artwork all make a hasty exit onto movers' trucks.

Los Angeles Times

In fact, the friendships were so meaningful that when the Islamic Revolution erupted in 1979, Ali was instrumental in helping his friends make a hasty exit.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

I made a hasty exit feeling decidedly sick.

The Guardian

The parents and child made a hasty exit and later called to apologize.

The New York Times

"Get out of here!" someone yelled, and Yu made a hasty exit.

The New Yorker

I made a hasty exit through a secret door in the kitchen and out into the night.

The New Yorker

While many laughed at the test, the stunned Krekar expressed his humiliation and outrage and made a hasty exit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make a hasty exit" to vividly describe a quick departure, particularly when someone is trying to avoid an uncomfortable or undesirable situation. This phrase is more impactful than simply saying someone 'left quickly'.

Common error

While "make a hasty exit" is a useful idiom, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions of departures by using synonyms like "beat a retreat" or "leave abruptly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a hasty exit" functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a verb phrase to describe the act of leaving a place or situation quickly, often to avoid something unpleasant. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a hasty exit" is a correct and somewhat common idiomatic phrase used to describe a quick and often urgent departure from a place or situation, usually to avoid something unpleasant. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is considered correct and commonly used. It is primarily found in news and media contexts, with some usage in wiki articles. While grammatically sound and readily understood, alternative expressions such as "beat a retreat" or "leave abruptly" can add variety to your writing. Be aware of overuse and consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when describing someone's departure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

depart in haste

Emphasizes the urgency and speed of leaving, often due to time constraints or an emergency.

make a quick getaway

Suggests a need to escape, often from an undesirable or dangerous situation.

beat a retreat

Implies a strategic withdrawal, often to avoid confrontation or danger.

take flight

Evokes a sense of fleeing or escaping quickly from danger or an unpleasant situation.

leave abruptly

Highlights the suddenness of the departure, without necessarily implying fear or urgency.

take off quickly

Focuses on the speed of departure, emphasizing a rapid movement away.

vanish in a flash

Emphasizes the sudden and complete disappearance of someone.

slip away unnoticed

Focuses on leaving discreetly to avoid being seen or detected.

scram

A more informal term for leaving quickly, often used in urgent or chaotic situations.

absent oneself rapidly

A formal and somewhat humorous way of saying someone left very quickly.

FAQs

What does "make a hasty exit" mean?

The phrase "make a hasty exit" means to leave a place or situation quickly and often suddenly, usually to avoid something unpleasant or undesirable.

What can I say instead of "make a hasty exit"?

You can use alternatives like "beat a retreat", "leave abruptly", or "depart in haste" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "make a hasty exit" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "Realizing he had accidentally insulted his boss, John made a hasty exit from the meeting room."

Is it better to say "make a hasty exit" or "make a quick exit"?

While both phrases are correct, "make a hasty exit" implies more urgency or a desire to avoid something unpleasant, whereas "make a quick exit" simply emphasizes the speed of leaving. The best choice depends on the intended nuance.