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
“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
You’ve now got a monster that would make Godzilla turn tail.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2022
That was the thing to remember about all monsters, Dad said: They love to frighten people, but the minute you stare them down, they turn tail and run.
From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
