What Does “Run away with sth” Mean?
“Run away with sth” is a phrasal verb meaning to steal something or to become overly influenced or excited by an idea or feeling.
Introduction
The phrase “run away with sth” has two main uses in English. First, it can mean to steal something and escape with it. Second, it can describe a situation where someone becomes too excited or influenced by an idea, often leading to exaggerated thoughts or actions. Understanding the run away with sth meaning is essential for using it correctly in conversations and writing. This phrasal verb appears frequently in both informal and formal contexts, making it a useful expression to know.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: run away with something
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to steal something or to be overly influenced by an idea
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Run away with sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, so it always takes an object (something).
- It is inseparable: the object must come after the entire phrasal verb.
- Correct pattern: run away with + something
- Incorrect: run with something away
How to Use Run away with sth?
You can use “run away with sth” in two main ways:
- Literal meaning: When someone steals an object and escapes with it. For example, “The thief ran away with the wallet.”
- Figurative meaning: When an idea or feeling becomes too strong or exaggerated. For example, “She let her imagination run away with her.”
Use this phrasal verb to describe actions involving theft or to talk about losing control over your thoughts or emotions.
Examples
Here are some examples of run away with sth in a sentence:
- The kids ran away with the cookies before dinner.
- Don’t let your anger run away with you during the meeting.
- He ran away with the prize money after winning the contest.
- Her excitement about the project ran away with her, and she made promises she couldn’t keep.
- The burglar ran away with several valuable paintings.
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse the position of the object in the phrase or misuse the meaning.
- Incorrect: She ran with the idea away.
- Correct: She ran away with the idea.
- Incorrect: He ran away the money with.
- Correct: He ran away with the money.
Remember, “run away with” must stay together, and the object follows immediately after.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include:
- Run off with sth: Also means to steal something and escape. “Run off with” emphasizes the act of leaving quickly.
- Get away with sth: Means to do something wrong without being punished.
“Run away with sth” focuses on physically taking something or being overwhelmed by an idea, while “get away with sth” is about avoiding consequences.
Common Collocations
You often hear “run away with” used with these objects:
- Money: To steal money and escape.
- Prize: To win or take a prize unexpectedly.
- Imagination: When ideas become exaggerated.
- Feelings/emotions: When emotions control someone’s actions.
- Opportunity: To take an opportunity quickly and decisively.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of run away with sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a natural conversation using “run away with sth”:
Anna: Did you hear what happened at the party?
Ben: No, what?
Anna: Someone ran away with the host’s watch!
Ben: Wow, that’s terrible. I hope they catch the thief.
Anna: Me too. Also, I think her excitement about the event ran away with her—she was planning the next party already!
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “run away with sth”:
- Someone __________ my bag while I was on the bus.
- Don’t let your anger __________ you during the argument.
- The team __________ the championship trophy last year.
Answers:
- ran away with
- run away with
- ran away with
FAQ
- What does “run away with sth” mean? It means to steal something or to become overly influenced by an idea or feeling.
- Is “run away with sth” separable? No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb.
- Can “run away with sth” be used figuratively? Yes, it can describe being overwhelmed by thoughts or emotions.
- What is a synonym for “run away with sth” when talking about stealing? “Run off with sth” is a close synonym.
- How do I avoid mistakes with this phrasal verb? Always keep “run away with” together and place the object immediately after.
