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
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
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
“You can't turn tail at the prospect of public speaking your whole life through, Taylor.”
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
