sneak away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sneak away' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the idea of leaving a place quickly and secretly. For example: We decided to sneak away without saying goodbye before our boss noticed us.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Sometimes," she admitted, "we still sneak away".

The New York Times

It was a place they would sneak away to.

The New York Times

After that, the Hornets could hardly sneak away.

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe we should all just sneak away quietly before he..

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I turn around and sneak away behind the shops, hurrying in the direction we came from.

The New Yorker

Some analysts predicted that once nightfall came, the Shabab would sneak away.

The New York Times

"BFFs Karlie Kloss and Jourdan Dunn sneak away to share secrets behind the speakers at Tommy….

The New York Times

RETAIL BREAK I occasionally sneak away and do some shopping in the meatpacking district.

The New York Times

Still, he would sneak away and became more and more difficult.

The New York Times

Combined with some allocated seats, that would allow it to sneak away with the election.

The Economist

"Our guys are just below the radar enough that they could sneak away".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sneak away" when you want to emphasize the stealthy nature of leaving a place or situation, typically to avoid being noticed or confronted.

Common error

Avoid using "sneak away" in formal contexts where a direct and clear explanation of leaving is more appropriate. In such cases, opt for phrases like "excuse myself" or "depart".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sneak away" functions as an intransitive verb phrase, indicating the action of leaving a place or situation quietly and secretly. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sneak away" is a versatile and common idiom used to describe a quiet and often secretive departure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media. While the phrase is generally acceptable, it’s best to avoid it in formal settings, opting for more direct alternatives. When used correctly, "sneak away" effectively conveys the act of leaving discreetly, often to avoid attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slip away

This suggests a smooth and quiet departure, often unnoticed.

steal away

This implies a secretive departure, sometimes with something taken or something avoided.

slip out

This implies a quick and subtle exit from a place or situation.

quietly leave

This is a more straightforward way of saying "sneak away", emphasizing the silence of the departure.

discreetly exit

This implies leaving without attracting attention.

secretly depart

This emphasizes the hidden nature of the leaving.

creep away

This suggests a slow, cautious, and quiet departure.

make an escape

This suggests leaving a place where one is being held, watched, or does not want to be.

make off

This implies a hurried or secretive departure, often with the intention of avoiding detection.

abscond

This means to depart secretly and hide oneself, often to avoid arrest or prosecution.

FAQs

How can I use "sneak away" in a sentence?

You can use "sneak away" to describe leaving a place or situation quietly and often secretly. For example, "They managed to sneak away before the meeting ended".

What does it mean to "sneak away"?

"Sneak away" means to leave a place or situation quietly, often to avoid being noticed. It suggests a desire to escape without drawing attention.

What can I say instead of "sneak away"?

You can use alternatives like "slip away", "steal away", or "quietly leave" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "sneak away"?

It is appropriate to use "sneak away" in informal contexts when describing a quiet or secretive departure. Avoid using it in formal or professional settings where a more direct term is preferable.