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
But when those lizards meet a predator who is not intimidated by their act, they turn tail and run.
From Salon ● Aug. 9, 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
All I could do was turn tail like the yeller dog and head for the house, yelling for Mama.
From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson
