sauve qui peut

/ sov ki pø /

noun

1. a state of panic or disorder; rout

Word History and Origins

Origin of sauve qui peut¹

literally: save (himself) who can

Example Sentences

The British in front, the Prussians in the rear: "Sauve qui peut!"

From Project Gutenberg

The British bayonet was in their front; while a panic fear spread through their ranks, and the cry "Sauve qui peut!"

From Project Gutenberg

The British bayonet was in their front; while a panic fear spread through their ranks, and the cry of "Sauve qui peut!"

From Project Gutenberg

When the hawk pounces down upon its quarry, it is sauve qui peut!

From Project Gutenberg

Before them, at close range, was a company breaking out of close order in a sauve-qui-peut rout up a reverse slope.

From Project Gutenberg