turn tail
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some people turn tail when they learn their potential romantic partner has a cat.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 2, 2026
But when those lizards meet a predator who is not intimidated by their act, they turn tail and run.
From Salon ● Aug. 9, 2022
You’ve now got a monster that would make Godzilla turn tail.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 17, 2022
After 10 minutes I give up and ride on, giving myself 15 minutes to find the trail or turn tail and backtrack.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 11, 2020
‘Because I intend to make sure that you get to the Mountain of the World Spirit. If I didn’t make you, you wouldn’t even try. You’d just turn tail and run. Because you’re a coward.’
From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
