Make scarce Meaning in English
expression
ˈmeɪk/ /ˈskɛɹs
MAYK SKAIRS
mˈeɪk/ /skˈeəs
MAYK SKAIRSS
Definition
To leave a place quickly, often to avoid trouble or attention. Can also mean to make oneself less available or to disappear.
Usage & Nuances
'Make scarce' is somewhat old-fashioned and often humorous or ironic. Commonly used in the phrase 'make yourself scarce' (to leave discreetly). Not usually used for objects, but for people or oneself. Similar to 'slip away' or 'disappear' informally.
Spanish: desaparecer - irse rápidamente - hacerse escasoPortuguese (BR): sumir-se - sair rápido - desaparecerPortuguese (PT): sumir-se - sair rapidamente - desaparecerChinese (Simplified): 迅速离开 - 避开 - 变得稀少Chinese (Traditional): 迅速離開 - 避開 - 變得稀少Hindi: जल्दी निकल जाना - गायब हो जानाArabic: انسحب بسرعة - اختفىBengali: ছপ্টে পড়া - অদৃশ্য হওয়াRussian: сделаться невидимым - улизнутьJapanese: 姿を消す - こっそり立ち去るVietnamese: lặng lẽ rút lui - biến mấtKorean: 슬쩍 사라지다 - 자리를 피하다Turkish: gözden kaybolmak - sıvışmakUrdu: چپکے سے نکل جانا - غائب ہو جاناIndonesian: menjauh diam-diam - menghilang
Example Sentences
The cat decided to make scarce when the dog arrived.
basic
If you see trouble, it's best to make scarce.
basic
I told him to make scarce before my parents got home.
basic
"Looks like the boss is coming—better make scarce!"
natural
I'd suggest you make scarce before mom finds out what happened.
natural
Time to make scarce—this party is getting strange.
natural