break cover

Idioms and Phrases

Suddenly emerge from a hiding place, as in The shots distracted our pursuers long enough so that we could break cover and make a run for it . This term originally alluded to animals being hunted, a frequent usage in the 16th century. Now that hunting is a less common pursuit, it is used for human beings.

Example Sentences

This had the effect of causing the fourth lion to break cover and leap upon a rock as the first had done.

From Project Gutenberg

If the bombardment was ineffective, from whatever cause, then the men should not have been allowed to break cover.

From Project Gutenberg

Stationing the men around where the bear was likely to break cover, I went in with the dogs to drive him out.

From Project Gutenberg

The sergeant was hastily sending out our squad to investigate the birches, when a bunch of men were seen to break cover from them.

From Project Gutenberg

He was fairly run to earth, and did not break cover again that night, you may be sure.

From Project Gutenberg