How to Pronounce "make like a tree and leave"
expression
MAYK-LYK-uh-TREE-uhnd-LEEV
MAYK-LYK-AY-TREE-AND-LEEV
Definition
This expression is a joke based on a pun: it means 'leave' (go away), using the word 'leave' as a play on 'leaf' from a tree. People say it humorously when they want to leave or to tell someone to go.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈmeɪk/ /ˈɫaɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈtɹi/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈɫiv
British English
mˈeɪk/ /lˈaɪk/ /æɪ/ /tɹˈiː/ /ˈænd/ /lˈiːv
Simplified Pronunciation
US
MAYK-LYK-uh-TREE-uhnd-LEEV
UK
MAYK-LYK-AY-TREE-AND-LEEV
Listen in Context
Okay, time to make like a tree and leave.
He told a joke and then said, 'I'll make like a tree and leave.'
When the meeting ended, everyone wanted to make like a tree and leave.
I'm getting bored here, so I'm gonna make like a tree and leave.