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 force field 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

After 10 minutes I give up and ride on, giving myself 15 minutes to find the trail or turn tail and backtrack.

From Washington Post • Jun. 11, 2020

‘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