steal off

USAGE SUMMARY

"steal off" can be a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to secretly take or remove something without permission or with dishonest intentions. It can also mean to sneak away or depart quietly. Example: The thief managed to steal off with the valuable paintings from the museum without anyone noticing. In this sentence, "steal off" is used to show that the thief took the paintings without being detected.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

People like to steal off him and Henry can help stop that".

The New York Times - Sports

One evening the two girls steal off to the gymnasium where Shihao is swimming laps.

The New York Times

Piazza threw out the only runner who tried to steal off him Friday...

The New York Times - Sports

She atoned, however, with a steal off a bad pass and a perfect pass downcourt that set up Achonwa's winning lay-up.

The New York Times - Sports

The four-times league MVP then grabbed a steal off a Manu Ginobili attempted pass to Tim Duncan to ensure the win.

Independent

He also came up with a typically smart ball steal off Scott Grix, the Huddersfield full-back who endured a torrid evening.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Abandoned containers were stolen off the docks.

The New York Times

One pair I stole off my friend's face.

The New York Times

In New Palta, N. Y., 4,000 ft. of copper wire was stolen off of utility poles.

The New Yorker

"They got stolen off me on the bus here," Larry said.

The New York Times

That was apt; the Kings had just stolen off with the opener of the finals.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steal off" to vividly describe situations where someone or something is quietly taken or removed, adding a sense of secrecy or stealth.

Common error

Avoid using "steal off" in contexts where a direct and open removal is described. This phrase is best suited for situations implying stealth or secrecy, and should not be used for actions that are clearly visible or acknowledged.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "steal off" is as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "steal" with the particle "off" to create a unique meaning, often indicating a clandestine departure or a subtle act of theft. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Sports

21%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "steal off" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe actions done discreetly, often involving secret departures or subtle thefts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, showing its application in diverse contexts such as news reporting, sports commentary, and general writing. While it maintains a neutral register suitable for various forms of communication, it's essential to remember the connotation of secrecy and stealth to avoid misuse. Related phrases include "sneak away" and "slip away", offering alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sneak away

Emphasizes the act of leaving quietly and unnoticed.

slip away

Highlights the smoothness and lack of attention drawn during departure.

quietly depart

Focuses on the peaceful and silent nature of leaving.

secretly leave

Stresses the confidential and hidden aspect of the departure.

make off with

Implies taking something, often stolen, and escaping.

pilfer

Suggests stealing small items, often in a sneaky manner.

appropriate surreptitiously

Focuses on the act of taking something in a secretive way.

take without permission

Highlights the unauthorized nature of the action.

abscond

Implies a sudden and secret departure, often to avoid detection or legal action.

slyly remove

Emphasizes the cunning and subtle manner of taking something away.

FAQs

How can I use "steal off" in a sentence?

You can use "steal off" to describe someone leaving quietly or secretly, as in "They planned to steal off before anyone noticed" or to indicate something being taken stealthily, like "He managed to steal off a glance at her notes".

What's a synonym for "steal off" when talking about leaving a place?

If you're referring to someone leaving quietly, you could use synonyms like "sneak away", "slip away", or "quietly depart".

Is it correct to say "stole off" instead of "steal off"?

Yes, "stole off" is the past tense form of "steal off" and is grammatically correct when referring to a past action. For example, "He stole off into the night".

What is the difference between "steal off" and "make off with"?

"Steal off" can refer to quietly leaving a place or taking something surreptitiously. "Make off with" specifically means to run away with something stolen, emphasizing the theft and escape.