Definition and pronunciation
have it away — British informal idiom. Main meanings: (1) to have sex (often casual or secret); (2) to run off quickly, especially in the old phrase have it away on one’s toes; (3) to steal/make off with something in older slang (have it away with the silver).
Pronounced /hæv ɪt əˈweɪ/.
Easy explanation
Have it away usually means have sex in British English. In older or jokey slang, it can also mean run away fast or steal something and escape. It’s casual, sometimes cheeky, and not for formal contexts.
Part of speech and grammar
- Fixed idiom built on have + it + away.
- Tenseable: had it away; is/was having it away.
- With partner: have it away with [someone] (sexual).
- With object (older slang): have it away with [thing] = steal.
- Set phrase: have it away on one’s toes = run off, scarper (dated).
Register and tone
Colloquial BrE; sexual sense is cheeky and can sound outdated or tabloidy. The “steal/run off” senses are dated/cockney-flavored. Avoid in professional writing unless analyzing slang.
Connection to sexuality
Yes. The primary modern use is a euphemistic way to say have sex between consenting adults. Because it can sound flippant or objectifying, neutral wording (e.g., have sex, sleep with, be intimate) is often better.
Common collocations
- have it away with [someone]
- having it away (rumor/tabloid tone)
- have it away on one’s toes (run off; dated)
- have it away with [the money/jewels] (steal; dated)
Idioms and set phrases
- have it away (with someone) — have sex.
- have it away on one’s toes — run away quickly.
- have it away with [something] — make off with/steal (older slang).
Prepositions and nuance
- with [someone] — sexual partner: He bragged he had it away with a coworker (crude/boastful).
- on one’s toes — escape fast: They had it away on their toes when the siren wailed (dated).
- with [something] — theft: The thief had it away with the takings (dated).
Word comparisons
- have it off (BrE) — near-synonym for the sexual sense; slightly more common.
- get it on (AmE/intl.) — start sex; also “get started” in nonsexual hype.
- sleep with / have sex / be intimate — neutral and clearer.
- scarper / leg it — modern BrE for “run away.”
- make off with / nick / pinch — modern BrE for “steal.”
Real-life examples
- Tabloids claimed the actor had it away with a co-star—editors later toned down the language.
- Rumors said they were having it away, but both denied it.
- When the lights came on, the shoplifters had it away on their toes.
- A vintage crime novel might say the burglar had it away with the silver.
Synonyms
have sex, sleep with, be intimate, make love, hook up, have it off, get it on, scarper, leg it, run off, make off with, steal, nick, pinch
Antonyms
abstain, remain platonic, stay, linger, return, give back
Related terms
euphemism, casual sex, hookup, affair, have it off, get it on, make off with, scarper, leg it, tabloids, Cockney slang
Notes and etiquette
Use only in contexts where British slang fits and tone is intentionally informal. Prefer people-first language and neutral verbs in education, journalism, and workplaces. The theft/run-off senses are colorful but dated; modern BrE usually says scarper or make off with.
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