déménager à la cloche de bois

French

Etymology

Literally, “to move on the wooden bell” (that is, a silent signal).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /de.me.na.ʒe a la klɔʃ də bwa/

• Audio:

  (file)

Verb

déménager à la cloche de bois

1. to do a moonlight flit, to levant (to move out of a place without telling the owner and without paying one's rent, to disappear with one's possessions); to take French leave, to abscond, to do a runner

   Synonym: déménager à la ficelle

See also

• filer à l’anglaise
• en douce