Turn tail
verb
To run away from a difficult or dangerous situation.
As soon as they saw the police, the thieves turned tail.
Often appears as...
- turn tail and run
- turn tail at the first sign of danger
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To suddenly abandon a plan or course of action.
He was planning to ask her to marry him, but he turned tail at the last moment.
Often appears as...
- turn tail on a decision
- turn tail at the last moment
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To run away from a difficult or dangerous situation.
As soon as they saw the police, the thieves turned tail.
Often appears as...
- turn tail and run
- turn tail at the first sign of danger
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To suddenly abandon a plan or course of action.
He was planning to ask her to marry him, but he turned tail at the last moment.
Often appears as...
- turn tail on a decision
- turn tail at the last moment
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Cowardly Action
Used to describe someone acting cowardly by avoiding confrontation or responsibility.
When the debate got heated, John turned tail and left.
Pro Tip 2/3Sudden Escape
Emphasizes a quick and unexpected departure from a challenging situation.
The sight of the bear made the hikers turn tail.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
The phrase doesn't involve an actual tail; it's a metaphor for rapid retreat.
In the face of criticism, the politician turned tail.
Pro Tip 1/3Cowardly Action
Used to describe someone acting cowardly by avoiding confrontation or responsibility.
When the debate got heated, John turned tail and left.
Pro Tip 2/3Sudden Escape
Emphasizes a quick and unexpected departure from a challenging situation.
The sight of the bear made the hikers turn tail.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
The phrase doesn't involve an actual tail; it's a metaphor for rapid retreat.
In the face of criticism, the politician turned tail.
Pro Tip 1/3Cowardly Action
Used to describe someone acting cowardly by avoiding confrontation or responsibility.
When the debate got heated, John turned tail and left.
Pro Tip 2/3Sudden Escape
Emphasizes a quick and unexpected departure from a challenging situation.
The sight of the bear made the hikers turn tail.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
The phrase doesn't involve an actual tail; it's a metaphor for rapid retreat.
In the face of criticism, the politician turned tail.
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