take cover

Idioms  

1. Seek protection, find a hiding place, as in It started to pour so we took cover under the trees, or He wanted to avoid the reporters so we said he could take cover in our summer cottage. This term uses cover in the sense of “shelter” or “concealment,” a usage dating from the 1400s.

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Example Sentences

Some of America's most high-profile politicians, diplomats and journalists were gathered in the Washington Hilton ballroom when they were forced to take cover under tables.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

Guests, including journalists, administration officials, and cabinet members, were instructed to take cover, with many ducking under tables as exits were secured.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

An emergency alert broadcast in English warned people to take cover away from the windows.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Broadcast-news anchors, in full glam, take cover under listing canopies, patiently awaiting their next hit.

From Slate • Feb. 23, 2026

Gale and I drop to the street, scuttle the ten yards to the shops, and take cover behind a display of spike-heeled boots outside a shoe seller’s.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• bury
• camouflage
• cover
• disguise
• hole up
• mask
• obscure
• plant
• protect
• shelter
• shield
• smuggle
• stash
• suppress
• tuck away
• withhold