run off with: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "run off" is closely related to "run off with" and shares a similar meaning. When someone "runs off," it means they suddenly leave or escape from a particular place or situation. This can refer to a physical departure or an emotional escape. It implies a sense of urgency or spontaneity, as if the person cannot stay in their current situation any longer. The phrase "run off" can be used in various contexts, such as a child running off from their parents in a park or an employee running off from a boring meeting.

Similarly, the idiom "walk off with" describes the act of taking something without permission or stealing it. It implies a level of ease or casualness in the act of taking something, as if the person simply walked away with it without being noticed. When someone "walks off with" an item, it suggests that they have done so in a somewhat sneaky or nonchalant manner, possibly without anyone realizing it until later. This phrase can be used to describe a pickpocket stealing a wallet or a student taking someone else's lunch from the cafeteria.

In contrast, the idiom "run off at the mouth" has a slightly different meaning. It refers to someone who talks excessively or without restraint. If someone is "running off at the mouth," it means they are speaking so much and so quickly that it may be difficult for others to keep up or for their words to hold much meaning. This idiom often implies that the person is talking in a careless or thoughtless manner, without considering the impact or relevance of their words. It can be used to describe someone who is rambling on and on in a conversation or someone who is constantly interrupting others to share their thoughts.

Another related idiom is "run about," which describes the act of moving quickly and energetically from one place to another. When someone is "running about," they are in constant motion and may appear busy or frantic. This phrase can be used to describe children playing and running around a playground or someone rushing from one task to another in a busy work environment. It carries a connotation of movement and activity, often suggesting a sense of purpose or urgency.

An additional idiom related to "run off with" is "run out of town." This phrase means to force someone to leave a place or community, usually due to their behavior being unacceptable or disliked by others. When someone is "run out of town," it implies a collective decision or action by the community to expel that person, often as a form of punishment or retaliation. This idiom can be used to describe situations where a public figure is driven out of a position of power or when a business is boycotted by customers and eventually shuts down. It carries a strong sense of social disapproval and rejection.

The idiom "run off with" is commonly used in the English language to describe a situation where someone leaves or abandons their current position or situation to be with someone else. It carries a connotation of impulsiveness, betrayal, and disregard for prior commitments. This idiom has its roots in the early 19th century, when it specifically referred to romantic elopements. Over time, its usage has expanded to encompass a broader range of meanings, including situations where someone takes or steals something in a hurried or sneaky manner. Additionally, related idioms such as "run off," "walk off with," "run off at the mouth," "run about," and "run out of town" add further nuances to the concept of abrupt departure, stealing, excessive talking, energetic movement, and collective exclusion.