Take to your heels
phrase
To run away quickly, usually to avoid something.
When they saw the police coming, they took to their heels.
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To run away quickly, usually to avoid something.
When they saw the police coming, they took to their heels.
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency Implied
The phrase suggests an urgent and sudden action often due to fear or danger.
Hearing the growl, we took to our heels.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Usage
Used metaphorically, not always implying literal running.
At the surprise inspection, the workers took to their heels.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Expression
It's an informal phrase, often inappropriate in formal writing or speech.
In formal situations, instead of saying 'He took to his heels,' say 'He left abruptly.'
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency Implied
The phrase suggests an urgent and sudden action often due to fear or danger.
Hearing the growl, we took to our heels.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Usage
Used metaphorically, not always implying literal running.
At the surprise inspection, the workers took to their heels.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Expression
It's an informal phrase, often inappropriate in formal writing or speech.
In formal situations, instead of saying 'He took to his heels,' say 'He left abruptly.'
Pro Tip 1/3Urgency Implied
The phrase suggests an urgent and sudden action often due to fear or danger.
Hearing the growl, we took to our heels.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Usage
Used metaphorically, not always implying literal running.
At the surprise inspection, the workers took to their heels.
Pro Tip 3/3Informal Expression
It's an informal phrase, often inappropriate in formal writing or speech.
In formal situations, instead of saying 'He took to his heels,' say 'He left abruptly.'
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