To leave or escape from a place, situation, or person, especially when it is difficult or you are not supposed to.
The thief tried to get away, but the police caught him.
A: How did you get away from that boring meeting? B: I told them I had another appointment.
If I ever feel stressed, I like to get away from the city and spend some time in nature.
Common mistake
✗The thief got away of the guards.
✓The thief got away from the guards.
It's 'get away FROM' someone/something — not 'of'.
Tell it apart
The robbers got away in a white van.
escaped
The robbers got away with it.
escaped punishment
Use 'get away' when someone escapes from danger, trouble, or a place they don't want to be.'Go away' means to leave, but 'get away' means to escape, often from something unwanted.
To avoid being blamed or punished for something wrong or dishonest that you have done.
He cheated on the exam and got away with it because no one noticed.
A: Did you hear about the politician's scandal? B: Yeah, but it seems like he's going to get away with it again.
Some people believe that wealthy individuals are more likely to get away with breaking the law due to their influence and resources.
Common mistake
✗He got away the crime.
✓He got away with the crime.
For dodging blame, you need 'get away WITH something'.
Tell it apart
He got away with it.
escaped punishment
He got away from the scene.
physically escaped
'Get away with' is used when someone does something wrong but is not punished or caught. It is common in both spoken and written English, especially when talking about rules, laws, or moral expectations.Unlike the B1 sense 'escape', which means physically leaving a place or situation, this sense is figurative and focuses on avoiding negative consequences for an action. It does not involve physically leaving.