make off with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make off with" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to steal something. Example: The thief made off with the jewellery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He'll make off with par.

The Guardian - Sport

Did she make off with any free clothing?

The New Yorker

They make off with about half the ranch's horses.

The New York Times - Arts

They have even dumped garbage from the bins to make off with the garbage bags.

The New York Times

First, they make off with digital information about individuals that is useful in many ways.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But she did make off with one item that literally transformed her: her butt padding.

The New York Times

I leave most of his billfold intact, but make off with a five and a ten.

The New York Times

It didn't make off with the silverware so much as the whole restaurant.

The New York Times

That you should - what you said - make off with your girlfriend's daughter!

The Guardian - Film

You need a lot of little wins to make off with the big one.

The Guardian - Sport

Celebrating this activity assiduously has enabled Hollywood to make off with much booty.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make off with" to describe a theft where the perpetrator also flees the scene. It emphasizes both the act of stealing and the subsequent escape.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "make off". The correct form is "make off with". Using other prepositions changes the meaning or creates an ungrammatical sentence.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic verb phrase "make off with" functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It describes the action of stealing something and then fleeing with it, as supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make off with" is a common idiomatic verb phrase that means to steal something and run away with it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that you can use alternative phrases like "steal and run" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. A common error to avoid is using the incorrect preposition following "make off". Always use "with" to maintain the intended meaning. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its versatility and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

steal and run

Focuses on the act of stealing followed by immediate escape, highlighting the hasty nature of the act.

abscond with

Implies a more planned and secretive departure with something valuable, often suggesting a breach of trust.

run away with

Can imply both physical theft and a more figurative taking, such as winning unexpectedly.

snatch and grab

Emphasizes the sudden and opportunistic nature of the theft.

pilfer

Suggests petty theft, often of small or insignificant items.

appropriate

Implies taking something for oneself, sometimes without permission but not always illegally.

embezzle

Specifically refers to the misappropriation of funds or assets held in trust.

loot

Often associated with theft during times of chaos or conflict.

purloin

A more formal or archaic term for stealing.

walk away with

Suggests obtaining something, often a victory or prize, sometimes with an implication of ease or unexpectedness.

FAQs

How do I use "make off with" in a sentence?

"Make off with" is used to describe someone stealing something and then escaping. For example: "The thief "made off with" the painting".

What's a simple way to describe "make off with"?

A simple way to describe "make off with" is to say someone "steal and run". It indicates both the act of stealing and the subsequent escape.

What are some alternatives to "make off with" that imply a more secretive theft?

If you want to imply a more secretive theft, consider using "abscond with". This suggests a planned and secretive departure, often involving a breach of trust.

Is "make off with" formal or informal?

"Make off with" is generally considered an informal or neutral expression, suitable for news reports and general conversation, but less appropriate for formal academic writing.