# 逃之夭夭

táo zhī yāo yāo

Make a quick getaway

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Flee far away

**Register:** Standard · expressive

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Describe escaping responsibility or leaving trouble behind.

Often humorous or accusatory.

## Understanding the expression

The expression emphasizes a departure that takes the person away from immediate consequences. It frequently describes a swindler disappearing, an offender fleeing, or someone escaping an awkward task. Its tone can be playful in a harmless setting and sharply accusatory in a serious one. It says little about the actual distance traveled. The important feature is the getaway, especially when the person leaves others to deal with the problem or unfinished obligation.

## Examples

骗子收钱后逃之夭夭。

### Traditional Chinese

騙子收錢後逃之夭夭。

piàn zi shōu qián hòu táo zhī yāo yāo 。

The swindler took the money and disappeared.

他打碎花瓶后逃之夭夭。

### Traditional Chinese

他打碎花瓶後逃之夭夭。

tā dǎ suì huā píng hòu táo zhī yāo yāo 。

He broke the vase and made a quick getaway.

肇事者逃之夭夭，警方正在寻找。

### Traditional Chinese

肇事者逃之夭夭，警方正在尋找。

zhào shì zhě táo zhī yāo yāo ， jǐng fāng zhèng zài xún zhǎo 。

The person responsible fled, and the police are searching.

一听要洗碗，孩子就逃之夭夭。

### Traditional Chinese

一聽要洗碗，孩子就逃之夭夭。

yì tīng yào xǐ wǎn ， hái zi jiù táo zhī yāo yāo 。

As soon as washing dishes was mentioned, the child slipped away.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E9%80%83%E4%B9%8B%E5%A4%AD%E5%A4%AD)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=897&webMd=1&la=0)

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