Zoom away | zoom off

Meaning

The idiom "zoom away | zoom off" means to move away from something or someone quickly and suddenly, often without a prior warning or indication of intention. It can also mean to disappear or vanish in a flash, leaving behind only your presence or memory. The metaphorical meaning is that the person or thing being referred to has ceased to exist or has become unavailable in some way. The idiom is used to describe a sudden and unexpected disappearance, often associated with a sense of mystery or intrigue.

Usage

• When John's boss walked into his office, he had been working on his project for hours. Without a word, he "zoomed away" from his desk and disappeared down the hall.
• The audience gasped in shock when the performer abruptly "zoomed off" the stage during a critical moment of her act.
• After years of working at the same company, Jane's colleagues were shocked when she "zoomed away" overnight, leaving behind no note or explanation.
• When Sarah's car broke down on the highway, she had to walk for hours until help arrived. She felt like she had been "zoomed off" into the middle of nowhere.
• The mysterious disappearance of the missing hiker has left authorities puzzled. They have been trying to "zoom in" on any clues that might lead them to his whereabouts. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe a sudden and unexpected disappearance, often associated with a sense of mystery or intrigue. It can also be used to describe a deliberate act of leaving someone or something behind, such as when John's boss walked into his office and he quickly "zoomed away" from his desk without saying a word.

Roots and History

The exact origin of the idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century. It may have been influenced by the idea of technology being used to "zoom in" on something from a distance, or the idea of disappearing quickly and silently, like a flash of light. Over time, the idiom has evolved to include a sense of mystery and intrigue, often associated with a sudden and unexpected disappearance.

Synonyms in English

• Disappear
• Vanish
• Fade away
• Dwindle away
• Evaporate

Synonyms in other languages

• English - Disappear (Disappearance)
• Spanish - Desaparecer (Disappearance)
• French - Disparaître (Disappearance)
• German - Verschwinden (Disappearance)
• Italian - Sparire (Disappearance)

Similar Idioms

• sponger, sponging, sponge off

• off the hook

• wear off, out