turn tail

Idioms  

1. Run away, as in When they heard the sirens, the boys turned tail. This term alludes to an animal's turning its back in flight. [Mid-1500s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

turn tail

"The alien's would turn tail and head back to Mars."

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

Instead, the player nicknamed “The Alien” puts a forcefield around the basket—making would-be attackers turn tail and run away.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 2, 2026

The backlash became so intense that even Mr. Musk’s most strident supporters seemed to turn tail.

From New York Times ● Dec. 18, 2022

But when those lizards meet a predator who is not intimidated by their act, they turn tail and run.

From Salon ● Aug. 9, 2022

I had to turn tail a second time, and again she chased me clear to the top of that ridge.

From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson