break cover

Idioms  

1. Suddenly emerge from a hiding place, as in The shots distracted our pursuers long enough so that we could break cover and make a run for it. This term originally alluded to animals being hunted, a frequent usage in the 16th century. Now that hunting is a less common pursuit, it is used for human beings.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

break cover

He says the tanks had driven back to the road when Dudarenko decided to break cover.

From BBC ● Mar. 24, 2022

Sanchez said he had at least two photographers collecting tips and following Messi and PSG for the first shots of the family when they finally break cover from their hotel.

From Reuters ● Sep. 15, 2021

The younger Mr. Zubeidi said he had not heard from his brother since his escape, nor did he expect him to break cover by returning home.

From New York Times ● Sep. 7, 2021

The new electric Hummer truck will break cover during a Super Bowl ad this coming Sunday, and will be treated to a full reveal on May 20th.

From The Verge ● Jan. 30, 2020

The mystery was quickly solved, for he was instantly277 attacked by the Spaniards, who, when they saw him break cover, sprang up to their feet, with a shout, as swift as the foes of Cadmus.

From The Monarchs of the Main, Volume I (of 3) Or, Adventures of the Buccaneers by Walter Thornbury