haul off
The phrase "haul off" can be used in various contexts, ranging from nautical maneuvers to informal actions often involving force or suddenness.
Definition
C1Nautical
(technical)To change a ship's course to move away from an object or obstacle.
Example
- The captain ordered the crew to haul off to avoid the approaching reef.
B2General
(informal)To leave or depart from a place.
Example
- After the argument, he decided to haul off without saying a word.
B2Physical Action
(informal)To prepare to hit or strike someone, usually by drawing back the arm.
Example
- In a fit of anger, she hauled off and slapped him.
B2General
(informal)To suddenly do something, often with force or intensity.
Example
- He hauled off and started shouting at the top of his lungs.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "haul off":
haul inhaul outhaul upbear offcarry offhaul one's ashescarry awayhook offwheel outpull offdrive offcart awaywalk off withdraw offsling offheave tomake offlash offrake offrack offroll offwalk offmake away withwhisk offship outclear offthrow offhitch uptake offin towwind offyank offride offfetch upreel incast offshove offmake off withhack offdrag outfork offpack awaydrag inpack updrive awaypack outhead offheavy lifthave it awaywalk away withheel outdrag upmake awaysling out