Have you ever needed to say you’re leaving but wanted to sound more thoughtful, fun, or creative? Whether you’re heading out of a place, saying goodbye, or finishing something, there are so many ways to express it! In this friendly guide, I’ll share 26 idioms for leaving that are easy to use, kind to say, and perfect for anyone who wants to make everyday words a bit more special.
From my own experience, using these idioms can make goodbyes feel warmer and lighter. They can even help when you’re not sure how to say you’re ready to go without sounding too serious. Let’s explore them together and make leaving sound just right!
1. Hit the road
Meaning:
To leave and start a journey.
In a sentence:
It’s getting late, so I better hit the road.
Best use:
When it’s time to go home.
Other ways to say:
- Get going
- Head out
2. Call it a day
Meaning:
To stop working or finish for now.
In a sentence:
We’re tired, so let’s call it a day.
Best use:
After finishing work.
Other ways to say:
- Wrap up
- End for now
3. Take off
Meaning:
To leave quickly.
In a sentence:
I need to take off before the rain starts.
Best use:
When leaving in a hurry.
Other ways to say:
- Head out
- Go fast
4. Say your goodbyes
Meaning:
To say farewell before leaving.
In a sentence:
Go say your goodbyes before we leave.
Best use:
When leaving people or a place.
Other ways to say:
- Bid farewell
- Tell them bye
5. Pack up and go
Meaning:
To get your things and leave.
In a sentence:
We packed up and went home.
Best use:
For finishing activities.
Other ways to say:
- Gather your stuff
- Head out
6. Take a hike
Meaning:
To leave, often in a playful or strong way.
In a sentence:
Time to take a hike before it gets dark.
Best use:
For casual or funny exits.
Other ways to say:
- Get going
- Move along
7. Say farewell
Meaning:
To give a nice goodbye.
In a sentence:
We said farewell to our friends.
Best use:
For formal or kind goodbyes.
Other ways to say:
- Goodbye
- See you later
8. Hit the bricks
Meaning:
To leave or walk away.
In a sentence:
I’m hitting the bricks after dinner.
Best use:
For casual leaving.
Other ways to say:
- Take off
- Head out
9. Make tracks
Meaning:
To leave quickly.
In a sentence:
We made tracks to the car.
Best use:
When you’re in a rush.
Other ways to say:
- Move fast
- Get going
10. Clear out
Meaning:
To leave an area.
In a sentence:
We cleared out before the storm came.
Best use:
When leaving for safety.
Other ways to say:
- Move out
- Get going
11. Head out
Meaning:
To start leaving.
In a sentence:
We’re heading out now.
Best use:
For normal leaving.
Other ways to say:
- Get going
- Time to go
12. Slip away
Meaning:
To leave quietly.
In a sentence:
She slipped away without saying goodbye.
Best use:
When leaving quietly.
Other ways to say:
- Sneak off
- Step out
13. Cut and run
Meaning:
To leave quickly, often to avoid trouble.
In a sentence:
When things got loud, we cut and ran.
Best use:
When escaping a bad situation.
Other ways to say:
- Take off
- Get out fast
14. Bow out
Meaning:
To leave politely.
In a sentence:
I’m bowing out of the game now.
Best use:
For polite exits.
Other ways to say:
- Step down
- Leave nicely
15. Take a rain check
Meaning:
To leave and do something later.
In a sentence:
I’ll take a rain check on dinner.
Best use:
When rescheduling plans.
Other ways to say:
- Maybe later
- Next time
16. Make an exit
Meaning:
To leave a place.
In a sentence:
She made her exit after the show.
Best use:
For smooth departures.
Other ways to say:
- Walk out
- Head off
17. Pull up stakes
Meaning:
To leave and move away.
In a sentence:
We pulled up stakes and moved to a new town.
Best use:
When moving.
Other ways to say:
- Move out
- Pack up
18. Call it quits
Meaning:
To stop and leave.
In a sentence:
Let’s call it quits for today.
Best use:
After finishing something.
Other ways to say:
- Stop
- Be done
19. Part ways
Meaning:
To leave and go separate directions.
In a sentence:
We parted ways after school.
Best use:
When friends leave.
Other ways to say:
- Go different ways
- Say goodbye
20. Push off
Meaning:
To leave, often by starting a journey.
In a sentence:
We pushed off early in the morning.
Best use:
For trips or adventures.
Other ways to say:
- Get going
- Set off
21. Get out of here
Meaning:
To leave a place.
In a sentence:
Let’s get out of here before traffic starts.
Best use:
For quick exits.
Other ways to say:
- Go now
- Leave fast
22. Pack it in
Meaning:
To stop and leave.
In a sentence:
We packed it in and went home.
Best use:
After a long day.
Other ways to say:
- Wrap it up
- Be done
23. Move along
Meaning:
To keep going or leave.
In a sentence:
Time to move along to the next place.
Best use:
For traveling.
Other ways to say:
- Keep going
- Head off
24. Take your leave
Meaning:
To politely leave.
In a sentence:
He took his leave after dinner.
Best use:
For formal goodbyes.
Other ways to say:
- Say goodbye
- Step out
25. Step out
Meaning:
To leave a place for a short time.
In a sentence:
I’m stepping out for a bit.
Best use:
For quick breaks.
Other ways to say:
- Be right back
- Go out
26. Make your way out
Meaning:
To begin leaving.
In a sentence:
Please make your way out carefully.
Best use:
For polite instructions.
Other ways to say:
- Exit
- Head out
Conclusion
These 26 idioms for leaving are wonderful ways to say goodbye, whether you’re finishing your day, moving to a new place, or simply heading home. Using them can make parting ways sound kinder, lighter, and a bit more fun. Next time you’re ready to go, try one of these and see how much easier it feels.
