turn tail
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some people turn tail when they learn their potential romantic partner has a cat.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026
Stick it out long enough, and they’ll turn on their own allies, start fighting among themselves, turn tail and run away.
From Salon • Mar. 8, 2025
“Even when you got some animals successfully into deeper waters, it’s not uncommon for them to turn tail and come straight back in,” said Karen Stockin, a professor and marine mammal scientist.
From Washington Post • Sep. 22, 2022
You’ve now got a monster that would make Godzilla turn tail.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2022
‘Because I intend to make sure that you get to the Mountain of the World Spirit. If I didn’t make you, you wouldn’t even try. You’d just turn tail and run. Because you’re a coward.’
From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver
