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
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
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
All I could do was turn tail like the yeller dog and head for the house, yelling for Mama.
From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson
