Hightail
/ˈhaɪ.teɪl/verb
To leave a place quickly in order to avoid something unpleasant or dangerous.
When the storm started, we decided to hightail it out of there.
Usage tips
Informal
hightail it out,hightailing away,hightailed back
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Speedy exit
Often implies that the departure is urgent and possibly evading something negative.
We had to make a speedy exit when we heard the sirens.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial use
Common in everyday conversation; very casual.
You might hear it used among friends as a joke.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual imagery
Think of cartoon characters running away quickly; the phrase evokes a humorous visual.
When faced with an unexpected situation, it can feel like cartoon characters hightailing it!
Compare with
runfleedashleavebolt
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