runs, ran, run, running
to run away
phrasal verbC
To avoid dealing with a problem or difficult situation
- 1You can't just run away from your responsibilities.
- 2He tends to run away when things get tough.
When someone does not want to face a problem, they might leave or ignore it instead of trying to fix it. They choose not to talk about it or solve it. They hope the problem will go away by itself, but they do not do anything to help.
People often say someone is "running away from their problems" when that person avoids talking to a friend after an argument or ignores important tasks because they feel stressed.
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at a sports event
Facing the Challenge
John
I can't believe the team is losing again.
Dorothy
Yeah, but they can't just run away from their problems.
John
True, they need to face it and improve.
Dorothy
Exactly, avoiding it won't help them get better.
near the elephant exhibit
Confronting the Elephant
William
I see you're avoiding the elephant exhibit. Is everything okay?
Andrew
I just can't face it right now. It's like I'm trying to run away from my fear.
William
I understand, but sometimes facing it is the best way to overcome it.
Andrew
You're right. I should try to deal with it instead of avoiding it.
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Similar to "to run away":
- 1avoid
- 2evade
