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.
Some people turn tail when they learn their potential romantic partner has a cat.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026
The backlash became so intense that even Mr. Musk’s most strident supporters seemed to turn tail.
From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2022
“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
But when those lizards meet a predator who is not intimidated by their act, they turn tail and run.
From Salon • Aug. 9, 2022
They take off in a V and I turn tail without looking back, back through the woods and the Pepsi-Cola sign, past the Brooklyn Bridge to my porch.
From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
