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.
Instead, the player nicknamed “The Alien” puts a forcefield around the basket—making would-be attackers turn tail and run away.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026
But when those lizards meet a predator who is not intimidated by their act, they turn tail and run.
From Salon • Aug. 9, 2022
You’ve now got a monster that would make Godzilla turn tail.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2022
Finding themselves outnumbered, EWD 1355 and her co-conspirators turn tail and resume their migration, retreating southward from Luembe in linear bursts along the Luangwa River.
From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2022
Being a city slicker, he’d no doubt turn tail and beat it back to Terre Haute when we started bleeding out the first hog.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
