The phrase "stole away" is spelled with an unusual vowel sound in the first syllable of "stole." Unlike the similar word "stol-EN," which uses the vowel sound / ɛ /, "stole" uses the sound / oʊ /, like the word "hole." This can lead to confusion for non-native speakers or beginning spellers. The phrase means to sneak away or leave quietly without being noticed. It is commonly used in literature and music to convey a sense of secrecy or melancholy.
Stole away is a phrasal verb that is often used to describe a secretive or furtive departure or escape. It implies leaving a place quietly and unnoticed, typically without others being aware of the person's departure. The verb "stole" originates from the past tense of "steal," meaning to take someone or something without permission. This suggests a sense of stealth and surreptitiousness in the action being undertaken.
The word "away" in this context indicates a physical or metaphorical movement from one place to another, often with the purpose of evading detection or avoiding attention. It can imply a departure that is discreet, shrouded in secrecy, or obscured from public view.
When combined, "stole away" conveys the act of leaving in a manner that is deliberately quiet, clandestine, or concealed. It commonly implies a desire to avoid drawing attention or to escape from a specific situation or place without being noticed or hindered.
The term is frequently used to describe actions in literature, poetry, or anecdotes, where a character or individual seeks to depart unnoticed or disappear discreetly. It can evoke a sense of mystery, covert actions, or even illicit activities, depending on the context in which it is used.
The phrase "stole away" has its origins in Old English. The word "stole" derives from the Old English verb "stelan", which means "to take secretly" or "to creep". The word "away" is derived from the Old English term "onweg", meaning "from a place". Together, "stole away" implies the act of leaving or departing in a secretive or furtive manner.