stay away
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle away
Meanings
Avoid going to a place or person
Why “away”? A person, object, look, or choice becomes more distant from its starting point.
“Stay away from the wet paint.”
“Maya stays away from her old boss.”
Don't confuse with
Stay away means avoid going to a place or person. Stay around means remain in the area.
Test yourself
“Stay away from the wet paint.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
stay around
A contrast learners often mix up
Remain in the area
back away
Same away pattern: leaving
Move away or distance yourself, often from fear or caution
break away
Same away pattern: leaving
Escape from someone holding you; Leave a group to form a separate one; Pull ahead of others in a race
call away
Same away pattern: leaving
Be required to leave because of an urgent matter
chase away
Same away pattern: leaving
Force someone or something to leave by chasing
come away
Same away pattern: leaving
Leave a place with a particular feeling or impression
drag away
Same away pattern: leaving
Force someone to leave a place reluctantly
draw away
Same away pattern: leaving
Move ahead of competitors by extending the lead
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- Spaced repetition (SM-2) brings each meaning back right before you forget.
- Four practice modes train recall and discrimination, not just recognition.
