do a runner

do a runner

To flee or quickly leave a place, usually so as to get out of paying for something or to avoid trouble or the law. Primarily heard in UK. The teenagers did a runner as soon as the cab stopped, leaving the driver to foot the bill. The young man, unintelligible with drink, did a runner when the police went up to question him.
See also: runner
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

do a runner

BRITISH, INFORMAL
COMMON If someone does a runner, they leave a place in a hurry, especially in order to escape trouble or to avoid paying for something. At this point, the accountant did a runner — with all my money.
See also: runner
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

do a runner

leave hastily, especially to avoid paying for something or to escape from somewhere. British informal
1997 Iain Sinclair Lights Out For The Territory Nobody seemed to know if the absentee landlord had done a runner.
See also: runner
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

do a ˈrunner

(British English, informal) leave or escape from somebody/a place, often after doing something wrong: He stole all the money in the office and did a runner. ‘What happened to his wife?’ ‘She did a runner. Nobody’s seen her for months.’
See also: runner
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • runner
  • do a bunk
  • go between the moon and the milkman
  • have it on (one's) toes
  • have it on your toes
  • chase (someone or something) out of (some place)
  • chase out of some place Go to chase
  • crawling with (something)
  • light out for (some place)
  • lights out