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
“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
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
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
