run for the hills

run for the hills

1. To move to higher ground, as in preparation for or in response to a natural disaster. There are bound to be tidal waves after an earthquake like that. We'd better run for the hills!
2. To flee hastily; to clear out or depart quickly. Uh oh, Uncle Jerome's been drinking again. Run for the hills, everyone! The staff all ran for the hills when it was announced that there would be a stock-take at the end of the shift.
See also: hill, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • take to the hills
  • be duty bound
  • be/feel duty/honour bound to do something
  • duty bound
  • duty bound, to be
  • duty bound to (someone or something)
  • bind (someone or something) together
  • bind together
  • all oak and iron bound
  • bound
References in periodicals archive
"I want to hike up the dress and run for the hills in contrast with growing up and becoming responsible." Since September 11, she says, "the wish to run away is more intense, and the fact that I have to stay and be accountable is more intense." The dance premieres February 18; for details, call the 92nd Street Y at 212/415-5552.
Creating after crisis. (News)
A welcome change from the gray water of the ending winter, but not pleasant enough to stave off the fear in children and wildlife who will turn and run for the hills with the idea that the Fermi lab had some terrible nuclear experiment go ary.
LAKE SHORE DRIVE
Any female contemplating a future there would surely have run for the hills after that sorry display.
OH BOY, WHAT AN INSULT!
So, as soon as she's mastered walking, Harper might want to run for the hills.
HARPER'S GOT A MUM DEAL
"For seven years, I've been watching them run," laments the eponymous recluse (Christina Ricci) after the latest batch of potential suitors catch sight of her porcine nose - the family curse - and run for the hills.
culture films: U Penelope; (1hr 29 mins) Starring: Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Catherine O'Hara, Reese Witherspoon, Ronni Ancona. Director: Mark Palansky
Run for the hills if you see gold prices go over $400 an ounce since some bond investors will switch to the gold market as a protection against strong inflation that can erode the value of their investments.
It's official: interest rates are up
If you see Deirdre's neck muscles tighten and her eyes go all Marty Feldman behind those bins, run for the hills. She's got previous
Kaye Adams: Sam Robertson