did a runner
Left without paying
Did a runner is British slang for fleeing hastily, especially to avoid paying a bill or escaping an uncomfortable situation.
Someone who dines at a restaurant and leaves without paying has done a runner.
The phrase extends to any sudden departure meant to dodge responsibility or consequences: He did a runner when the police showed up.
- abscondFlee to avoid capture
- hightailDepart with urgency
- vanishCease to be visible
- fleeDepart swiftly from threat
- head for the hillsFlee to safety
disappear · duck out · ditch · leave in the lurch · escape · bolt · make a break for it · ghost · make oneself scarce · fly the coop · get out of Dodge · rabbit · leg it · shirk · skip town · slip away · scoot · skedaddle
did a runnerpaid up
Having discharged all debts
settled up · made good · paid one's dues · owned up · ponied up
did a runnerstayed put
Continued in place
remained · stood one's ground · stuck around · stayed behind · waited
did a runnerfaced the music
Accepted responsibility for actions
stood one's ground · owned up · came clean · bit the bullet · stepped up