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

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 2, 2026

“Even when you got some animals successfully into deeper waters, it’s not uncommon for them to turn tail and come straight back in,” said Karen Stockin, a professor and marine mammal scientist.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 22, 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

You’ve now got a monster that would make Godzilla turn tail.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 17, 2022

That was the thing to remember about all monsters, Dad said: They love to frighten people, but the minute you stare them down, they turn tail and run.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls