turn tail

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]

Example Sentences

Stick it out long enough, and they’ll turn on their own allies, start fighting among themselves, turn tail and run away.

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“As I said to my troops before the War of Skratshink Poast, it is better to die ten thousand deaths than turn tail and run! An army need not be stronger—only smarter! And crueler!”

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In any event, National Review turned tail and ran.

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Unable to generate interest in his incoherent ravings outside the courtroom doors, Trump turned tail and fled back to Florida.

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Regardless, one wonders if old Myn would have dared toy so brazenly with a male military officer, or if he would have turned tail as soon as his ship landed.

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