turn tail

Idioms and Phrases

Run away, as in When they heard the sirens, the boys turned tail . This term alludes to an animal's turning its back in flight. [Mid-1500s]

Example Sentences

Left without guidance a pony tends to edge more or less away from the wind, in order to turn tail to the weather.

From Project Gutenberg

Far more would they have been pleased to see the animals turn tail, and make away from them.

From Project Gutenberg

It means he is going to turn tail, as I always thought he would,—the cursed cowardly traitor!

From Project Gutenberg

We'll not turn tail and run as the lobster backs did; but go out of here like men, if so be we may.

From Project Gutenberg

Theyll turn tail, and run a little way off after the crash of the gun inside here and seeing their mate keel over.

From Project Gutenberg