turn tail

Related to turn tail: stick with, run by, let off

turn tail

To run away or flee, usually in fear. The burglars turned tail at the sound of our security alarm.
See also: tail, turn
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

turn tail (and run)

Fig. to flee; to run away in fright. I couldn't just turn tail and run, but I wasn't going to fight that monster, either. Sometimes turning tail is the only sensible thing to do.
See also: tail, turn
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

turn tail

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]
See also: tail, turn
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

turn tail

If you turn tail, you turn and run away from someone or something because you are frightened of them. The rebels were forced back until they turned tail and fled. I go weak all over when I see her. Stumbling, I almost turn tail.
See also: tail, turn
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

turn tail

turn round and run away. informal
See also: tail, turn
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

turn ˈtail (and run, flee, etc.)

run away from a fight or a dangerous situation: As soon as he saw the police he turned tail and fled.
See also: tail, turn
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

turn tail

verb
See turn tail and run
See also: tail, turn
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

turn tail, to

To turn one’s back on; to run away. This term, with its image of turning one’s rear in flight, has been used since the sixteenth century. “Such a haggarde as would turne taile to a full fist,” wrote Robert Greene (Euphues His Censure, 1587).
See also: turn
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • turn tail, to
  • turn tail and run
  • go chase your tail
  • Go chase your tail!
  • on (one's) tail
  • on somebody's tail
  • on someone’s tail
  • on tail
  • on your tail
  • sit on (one's) tail
References in periodicals archive
Her curiosity is enough to suppress the adrenalin-fuelled urge to turn tail.
mindmatters TRYSTWILLIAMS
It was enough to make new arrivals turn tail and take the next train out of town.
Welcome to Liverpool!
When one of his pupils was threatened by the servants of one such demon, who had been turned into tigers for the purpose, Chodoryo countered by creating a giant lion which, in the magic battle that ensued, attacked the tigers and made them turn tail.
Is it a lion? Is it a dog? Whatever it is it could be worth pounds 80,000; Christopher Proudlove on the mythology behind the Chinese New Year... and the ancient origins of its most prized symbol
But the law suit - plus the possibility of a nearby rival gambling mecca being set up - was enough to make BLB turn tail.
Sorted And The City: Jilted Wembley's gone to the dogs; SHARES FALL AS BIDDER DROPS OUT
The EoACAyinvader' would stop short, taken aback by this bundle of sound and fury, wondering if he should turn tail or press on regardless.
From spooky to spunky
She's like a woman possessed, with a thousand yard stare that could make Clint Eastwood turn tail and run.
taking the wii; YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT FOOTBALL WIDOWS RIGHT? WELL, PETER BELL WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE A NEW BREED: THE WII WIDOWER
Those who have been calling for his head will suddenly turn tail, act all sympathetic and blame the pressures of trying to stay in contention in what is now the super league of Premiership teams.
Piling stress on Gerard Houllier
He doesn't feel confident about coping so, naturally, he wants to turn tail and run.
YOUR PROBLEMS: Dear Miriam
If he feels he's being pushed along too quickly, he could easily turn tail and run.
Your Problems: Dear Miriam
A glare from his craggy, sun-burned features is said to be enough to make the enemy turn tail and run.
The warrior chosen to stop a war
Owner Neil Rogers, a former builder turned pig breeder, said: "All the postmen have to do is walk calmly towards Ronnie and Reggie and they will turn tail.
It's a wild geese chase
They're fearless furry creatures that won't turn tail at hi-tech scarers, shooting only makes them breed faster and, when a photographer turned up to snap them, his car was wrecked.
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