1
general::
1. Draw back slightly, in preparation for some action. For example, He hauled off and smacked his brother in the face. [c. 1800] 2. Also, haul out. Shift operations to a new place, move away. For example, The group gradually hauled off to the West Coast, or The train hauled out just as I arrived. [Second half of 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms