When it comes to saying goodbye, whether you’re leaving a place, a meeting, or a conversation, the way we express ourselves can have a profound impact. Sometimes, a simple “goodbye” can feel too abrupt or impersonal. That’s where idioms come in—they allow us to express warmth, care, and thoughtful phrasing while still communicating the need to part ways.
In this article, we will explore 30 idioms for leaving, showing you how to exit gracefully and meaningfully. With each idiom, I’ll provide examples and insights into when and how to use them, helping you create connections even in moments of departure.
1. Hit the road
Meaning: To leave or begin a journey.
In a sentence: “I think it’s time for us to hit the road and head home before it gets too late.”
Best Use: Casual and friendly settings, like leaving a party or gathering.
Not Use: In formal settings or with people you don’t know well.
Other ways to say: “Take off,” “Leave,” “Head out.”
2. Take your leave
Meaning: To formally leave a place or a situation.
In a sentence: “I must take my leave now, but I hope we can meet again soon.”
Best Use: Professional or formal settings.
Not Use: Informal get-togethers or casual conversations.
Other ways to say: “Say goodbye,” “Depart,” “Bid farewell.”
3. Cut and run
Meaning: To leave quickly, often to avoid trouble.
In a sentence: “We had to cut and run when the weather took a turn for the worse.”
Best Use: When you need to leave quickly and unexpectedly.
Not Use: In serious, emotional goodbyes.
Other ways to say: “Leave in a hurry,” “Make a quick exit.”
4. Call it a day
Meaning: To stop what you’re doing and leave for the day.
In a sentence: “It’s getting late, let’s call it a day and finish up tomorrow.”
Best Use: After a long day of work or activity.
Not Use: In casual settings with no clear end to the activity.
Other ways to say: “Finish up,” “Wrap it up,” “Stop for the day.”
5. On your way out
Meaning: Leaving while in the process of exiting.
In a sentence: “I’ll catch you on your way out—have a great evening!”
Best Use: Informal situations where you are about to leave but still want to say a quick goodbye.
Not Use: In formal settings or when you’re addressing someone who is leaving.
Other ways to say: “Before you go,” “When you leave.”
6. Get going
Meaning: To begin leaving.
In a sentence: “We should get going if we want to make it on time.”
Best Use: In casual settings with friends or family.
Not Use: When you need to sound formal or polite.
Other ways to say: “Head out,” “Take off,” “Start heading out.”
7. Take off
Meaning: To leave or depart.
In a sentence: “It’s time to take off—thanks for the wonderful evening!”
Best Use: Informal settings, often when leaving a social event.
Not Use: In professional or highly formal settings.
Other ways to say: “Leave,” “Head out,” “Depart.”
8. Bail out
Meaning: To leave a situation abruptly, often due to discomfort or inconvenience.
In a sentence: “She decided to bail out of the meeting early.”
Best Use: When you want to leave without drawing too much attention.
Not Use: When the situation requires commitment or a longer stay.
Other ways to say: “Exit early,” “Leave unexpectedly.”
9. Part ways
Meaning: To separate or leave from someone, often with no intent to return.
In a sentence: “After years of working together, we’ve decided to part ways.”
Best Use: When ending a professional or personal relationship.
Not Use: Casual, everyday goodbyes.
Other ways to say: “Break up,” “Separate,” “Leave each other.”
10. Give someone the slip
Meaning: To leave or escape without being noticed.
In a sentence: “She managed to give him the slip and leave the party early.”
Best Use: When you want to leave discreetly.
Not Use: In situations where you want to be noticed or respected.
Other ways to say: “Sneak away,” “Slip out.”
11. Make tracks
Meaning: To leave quickly.
In a sentence: “It’s getting late, we should make tracks before the storm hits.”
Best Use: Informal settings when leaving quickly.
Not Use: In serious or emotional goodbyes.
Other ways to say: “Head out,” “Take off,” “Leave quickly.”
12. Bid farewell
Meaning: To say goodbye, often in a more formal or heartfelt manner.
In a sentence: “It’s hard to bid farewell after such a wonderful time together.”
Best Use: Formal goodbyes or when leaving after a significant event.
Not Use: In casual or quick departures.
Other ways to say: “Say goodbye,” “Take leave,” “Depart.”
13. Exit stage left
Meaning: To leave a situation or location, often quietly or without drawing attention.
In a sentence: “I had to exit stage left when things started to get awkward.”
Best Use: When you want to leave unnoticed or discreetly.
Not Use: In a more formal, structured setting.
Other ways to say: “Slip out,” “Leave quietly.”
14. Leave in a hurry
Meaning: To leave quickly, often due to necessity.
In a sentence: “She had to leave in a hurry after receiving an urgent call.”
Best Use: When time is of the essence and you need to leave fast.
Not Use: When the departure can be more drawn out or casual.
Other ways to say: “Rush off,” “Hurry out.”
15. Peace out
Meaning: A casual, often upbeat way of saying goodbye.
In a sentence: “I’m going to peace out for the night, see you all tomorrow!”
Best Use: Informal, relaxed settings with friends.
Not Use: Professional or serious contexts.
Other ways to say: “See you later,” “Catch you later.”
16. Take a powder
Meaning: To leave quickly, often due to discomfort or avoidance.
In a sentence: “He decided to take a powder when things got tense at the party.”
Best Use: When leaving a situation that is becoming uncomfortable.
Not Use: When you need to show respect or tact in your departure.
Other ways to say: “Slip away,” “Sneak out.”
17. Exit the scene
Meaning: To leave a place or situation, often after something has happened.
In a sentence: “After the meeting ended, I decided to exit the scene quietly.”
Best Use: When leaving a social or professional environment after an event.
Not Use: In casual or informal settings.
Other ways to say: “Leave the area,” “Depart.”
18. Wrap it up
Meaning: To conclude or finish an activity, signaling that it’s time to leave.
In a sentence: “Let’s wrap it up for today—we can continue this discussion tomorrow.”
Best Use: When signaling the end of a meeting or event.
Not Use: When you want to keep things going or need to extend the conversation.
Other ways to say: “Finish up,” “Conclude.”
19. Duck out
Meaning: To leave quickly, often without saying goodbye.
In a sentence: “He tried to duck out of the party before anyone noticed.”
Best Use: When you need to leave quickly and discreetly.
Not Use: In social situations where goodbyes are expected.
Other ways to say: “Slip out,” “Sneak away.”
20. Check out
Meaning: To leave or depart, especially from a place like a hotel.
In a sentence: “We need to check out of the hotel by noon.”
Best Use: In travel or lodging-related contexts.
Not Use: In casual or personal goodbyes.
Other ways to say: “Leave,” “Depart.”
21. Disappear into thin air
Meaning: To vanish suddenly and without explanation.
In a sentence: “He disappeared into thin air after the argument.”
Best Use: When you want to express the suddenness of someone’s departure.
Not Use: In calm, planned departures.
Other ways to say: “Vanish,” “Disappear.”
22. Hit the exit
Meaning: To leave quickly, often in a hurry.
In a sentence: “Let’s hit the exit before the crowd starts coming in.”
Best Use: Informal and spontaneous departures.
Not Use: Formal goodbyes or situations that require a graceful exit.
Other ways to say: “Leave quickly,” “Head out.”
23. Catch the next train
Meaning: To leave and go to your next destination.
In a sentence: “I have to catch the next train—see you soon!”
Best Use: When you need to go to another appointment or destination.
Not Use: When the departure is not time-sensitive.
Other ways to say: “Head out,” “Take off.”
24. Cut loose
Meaning: To leave, often to enjoy freedom or release.
In a sentence: “After the stressful week, I’m ready to cut loose and have some fun!”
Best Use: When you want to express excitement about leaving.
Not Use: When leaving in a serious or reflective moment.
Other ways to say: “Let go,” “Break free.”
25. Turn in
Meaning: To go to bed or leave after a day’s activities.
In a sentence: “I’m ready to turn in for the night, I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
Best Use: At the end of the day or after an event.
Not Use: When leaving in the middle of an activity or conversation.
Other ways to say: “Go to bed,” “Head to sleep.”
26. Roll out
Meaning: To leave or exit, often in a casual manner.
In a sentence: “It’s getting late, time to roll out!”
Best Use: In informal settings or with friends.
Not Use: In serious or formal goodbyes.
Other ways to say: “Head out,” “Leave.”
27. Be on your way
Meaning: To begin leaving or heading towards another destination.
In a sentence: “Alright, I’ll be on my way—catch you later!”
Best Use: Informal goodbyes when you’re just about to leave.
Not Use: In professional or emotional departures.
Other ways to say: “Leave,” “Go.”
28. Skedaddle
Meaning: To leave quickly, often in a hurried or sneaky way.
In a sentence: “We had to skedaddle before the storm hit!”
Best Use: When you need to leave quickly and quietly.
Not Use: In formal settings or when you need to express care.
Other ways to say: “Flee,” “Dash.”
29. Walk out
Meaning: To leave a place, sometimes in protest.
In a sentence: “He walked out of the meeting after the disagreement.”
Best Use: When leaving a meeting, event, or situation with significance.
Not Use: In casual, everyday situations.
Other ways to say: “Exit,” “Leave.”
30. Head for the door
Meaning: To begin leaving.
In a sentence: “It’s time to head for the door, I’ve got an early meeting tomorrow.”
Best Use: Casual or semi-formal situations when you are preparing to leave.
Not Use: In situations requiring a more formal exit.
Other ways to say: “Leave,” “Exit.”
FAQs
1. What is the most common idiom for leaving?
The most common idiom would be “take off” as it’s casual, friendly, and widely understood.
2. Can I use these idioms in professional settings?
Some idioms, like “take your leave” or “bid farewell,” work well in professional settings, while others are more casual.
3. How can idioms make my goodbyes sound warmer?
Using idioms like “call it a day” or “hit the road” adds a personal, comfortable touch to your departure, making it feel less stiff.
4. Are idioms only for native English speakers?
Not at all! Idioms can be fun for non-native speakers to learn, but it’s important to understand the context and meaning behind each one.
5. How do I know which idioms to use?
Consider the context—informal idioms like “peace out” are best for friends, while more formal ones like “take your leave” fit business or formal scenarios.
Conclusion
Whether you’re leaving a social gathering, exiting a meeting, or simply heading home, the way you express your departure can make a lasting impression. By using thoughtful idioms, you can leave with warmth and care, ensuring your parting words are meaningful.
With these 30 idioms for leaving, you’ll have a variety of ways to say goodbye, each fitting different situations and helping you create genuine connections as you go.
