Use 'make off' to describe someone leaving quickly, especially when avoiding trouble or after doing something bad. After the prank, they made off before anyone saw them.
Pro Tip 2/3
Informal Tone
'Make off' is casual and more common in spoken English or informal writing, like a text message or email. Let's make off before the crowd gets here.
Pro Tip 3/3
Escape Context
'Make off' is often used when discussing crimes or situations where someone doesn't want to be caught. The robbers made off in a stolen car.