run off
B1Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To leave quickly and unexpectedly; to flee.
To produce copies (e.g., using a machine); to hold an extra race or vote to determine a winner.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The phrasal verb has distinct, unrelated meanings based on context. The 'flee' sense is often informal, while the 'produce copies' sense is standard in formal contexts like offices.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use all meanings. 'Run off' as in 'flee with a partner' is more common in US informal use. The meaning 'to drain/flow away' (e.g., water runs off) is slightly more frequent in British environmental contexts.
Connotations
In both, 'run off' (flee) can imply cowardice, irresponsibility, or spontaneity. In US politics, a 'runoff' (one word) is a standard term for a second election.
Frequency
All senses are high-frequency in both varieties. The 'produce copies' sense is very frequent in office/workplace contexts globally.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + run off + (adverb/prepositional phrase)[Subject] + run off + [Object] (copies, printout)[Subject] + run off + with + [Object/Person]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “run off at the mouth (talk excessively)”
- “run off one's feet (extremely busy)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'Please run off twenty copies of the report for the meeting.'
Academic
Agricultural studies measure nutrient runoff into waterways.
Everyday
The kids ran off to play in the park.
Technical
The engineer calculated the peak runoff rate for the new drainage system.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He ran off before I could thank him.
- Could you run off these handouts for the lecture?
- The rainwater runs off into a soakaway.
American English
- She ran off with her best friend's boyfriend.
- I'll run off a few more flyers for the event.
- If no candidate gets 50%, there will be a runoff.
adverb
British English
- This phrase is not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- This phrase is not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The runoff water was collected for testing. (attributive use of noun)
- A run-off vote will be scheduled. (hyphenated)
American English
- Runoff elections are common in the South. (compound adjective)
- We need to address runoff pollution. (attributive use of noun)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog ran off into the garden.
- Can you run off three copies of this paper, please?
- He was so angry he just ran off without saying goodbye.
- The secretary ran off the minutes of the meeting for everyone.
- They ran off together and got married in Las Vegas.
- The printer can run off a hundred-page document in under a minute.
- Fearing prosecution, the corrupt official attempted to run off with the evidence.
- The primary election was inconclusive, forcing an expensive runoff campaign.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a printer 'running off' copies (it's working/running to produce them) or a person 'running off' the stage (fleeing).
Conceptual Metaphor
ESCAPE IS RUNNING AWAY; PRODUCTION IS A MACHINE IN MOTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'run out of' (закончиться). 'Run off' (сбежать) is active departure, not simply finishing.
- 'Run off copies' is напечатать/сделать копии, not 'сбежать с копиями'.
- The noun 'runoff' (сток, второй тур) is often written as one word.
Common Mistakes
- *I ran off of milk. (Incorrect; use 'ran out of').
- *She runned off yesterday. (Incorrect verb form; use 'ran off').
- Confusing 'run off with' (elope/steal) and 'run away with' (usually just flee).
Practice
Quiz
In an office context, what does 'run off' usually mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the meaning. 'Run off' meaning 'to flee' is informal. 'Run off' meaning 'to produce copies' is standard and acceptable in formal office communication.
They are often synonyms for fleeing. However, 'run off' can imply a more sudden, impulsive departure. 'Run off with' specifically means to elope or steal something and leave.
Yes. As one word, 'runoff' has two main meanings: 1) water that flows over the surface (environmental term), and 2) a final contest or election to decide a winner after a tie.
The most common error is confusing it with 'run out of'. 'Run off' is about leaving or producing; 'run out of' is about exhausting a supply (e.g., 'We ran out of coffee').