The spelling of the phrase "stealing away" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The "st" sound is represented by the IPA symbol /st/, the "ee" sound is represented by the symbol /i:/, the "l" sound is represented by /l/, the "ing" sound is represented by /ɪŋ/, the "aw" sound is represented by /ɔ:/, and the final "ay" sound is represented by /eɪ/. Together, these sounds form the familiar phrase "stealing away", which means to leave quietly without being noticed.
The phrase "stealing away" generally refers to the act of departing or leaving discreetly, typically with the intention of not being noticed or detected. It often implies a sense of secrecy, privacy, or clandestine behaviour.
In a literal sense, "stealing away" can be used to describe someone slipping away unnoticed from a particular location or situation. For instance, an individual may "steal away" from a party or gathering quietly, attempting to exit without attracting attention. Similarly, it can denote someone's secretive departure from a scene or event, avoiding drawing any unwarranted attention.
Figuratively, "stealing away" can also describe the act of escaping or retreating from something or someone without others becoming aware. This can be used in various contexts to indicate evading responsibilities, obligations, or even relationships. For example, someone might "steal away" from an unwanted conversation or meeting, seeking to avoid confrontation or undesirable circumstances. Additionally, it can convey the notion of seizing a moment of solitude or freedom by withdrawing from society temporarily. In this sense, "stealing away" represents the desire for personal space, reflection, or rejuvenation away from external pressures or distractions.
Overall, the phrase "stealing away" encapsulates the notion of a discreet departure or escape, whether literal or metaphorical, conveying the idea of slipping away unnoticed or quietly leaving a situation behind.
The phrase "stealing away" is a combination of the words "stealing" and "away".
The term "stealing", originating from the Old English word "stelan", has multiple definitions and uses. One of its meanings is the act of taking something without permission or unlawfully. This sense of taking something secretly or unnoticed gradually evolved into the figurative sense of leaving or going away in a hidden or furtive manner.
The word "away" comes from the Middle English word "aweigh", which emerged from the Old English word "onweg". "Onweg" is a combination of "on" (meaning "from" or "on") and "weg" (meaning "way" or "road"). Over time, "aweigh" transformed into "away" and came to represent the departure or movement from a particular location.