stole away
Left without notice
To steal away is to leave quietly and secretly, slipping out without being noticed: She stole away from the party before anyone could say goodbye.
The phrase suggests deliberate stealth—departing unobserved rather than simply leaving.
He stole away in the night to meet her.
- elopedMarried in secret
- ran offDeparted hastily, often fleeing
- abscondedDeparted secretly, furtively
- fledEscaped from danger
- took flightDeparted suddenly, often fearfully
escaped · snuck out · withdrew · vanished · without a trace · retreated · exited · ducked out · unnoticed · furtive · surreptitious · covert · slipped out · discreet · evasive · clandestine · wary · guilty