Get Away – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever needed a break from work, stress, or daily routines? Maybe you dreamed of a beach vacation, a quiet weekend in the mountains, or even just stepping outside for fresh air. In English, you might say you need to get away! This versatile phrasal verb means to leave a place, situation, or responsibility—often to relax, escape pressure, or find peace.
What Does “Get Away” Mean?
“Get away” means to leave or escape from a place, situation, or stress—usually to rest, recharge, or avoid something unpleasant. Think of it like stepping out of a noisy room into quiet calm. The phrase isn’t about running from danger (that’s “flee”); it’s about seeking relief, space, or a change of scenery.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in casual or relaxed conversations with friends, family, or coworkers when talking about vacations, mental breaks, or escaping daily pressure. It’s common in travel plans (“Let’s get away for the weekend”), self-care (“I just need to get away for a bit”), or even urgent exits (“We need to get away from this crowd”). This phrasal verb is informal but widely used—great for everyday English.
Example Sentences
- We’re planning to get away to the countryside next month.
- I need to get away from my desk—my brain is fried.
- They finally got away from the noisy party and went for a walk.
- Even a short hike helps me get away from stress.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “You look exhausted.”
Jamie: “I am. I really need to get away for a few days.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t confuse “get away” with “get away with” (which means to do something wrong without punishment). Also, “get away” implies physical or mental distance—not just pausing briefly.
❌ Don’t say: “I got away with forgetting my keys.” (That’s “got away with,” meaning you avoided consequences.)
✅ Do say: “I need to get away from the city for a while.”
Practice Tip
Next time you feel overwhelmed, say: “I need to get away for a bit.” It’s a natural, healthy way to express the need for space or rest in English.
Final Note
Now you can use “get away” to talk about rest, escape, and renewal with ease! It’s a soothing phrase that honors the need for balance in a busy world. Keep using it—and remember, sometimes the best thing you can do is simply get away.