I hate to eat and run

I hate to eat and run

Said apologetically by someone who has to leave a gathering very soon after eating. I hate to eat and run, but I have to catch the next train back to the city.
See also: and, eat, hate, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(I) hate to eat and run.

Cliché an apology made by someone who must leave a social event soon after eating. Bill: Well, I hate to eat and run, but it's getting late. Sue: Oh, you don't have to leave, do you? Bill: I think I really must. Mary: Oh, my goodness! I hate to eat and run, but I have to catch an early plane tomorrow. Bob: Do you have to go? Mary: Afraid so.
See also: and, eat, hate, run
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • hate to eat and run
  • hate (someone or something) like sin
  • hate like sin
  • carry the torch
  • burst (one's) bubble
  • burst bubble
  • burst somebody's bubble
  • burst someone's bubble
  • pet hate
  • your, his, etc. pet hate