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.
"The alien's would turn tail and head back to Mars."
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
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
“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
Two of them turn tail and sprint across the lot.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
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