ran for the hills
Beat hasty retreat
To run for the hills is to flee in panic or retreat hastily from a threatening or overwhelming situation.
The image is of escaping to high ground for safety.
Often used figuratively: When she mentioned marriage, he ran for the hills.
Can describe avoiding responsibility or commitment: Investors ran for the hills when the scandal broke.
- fleeDepart swiftly from threat
- got out of DodgeLeft somewhere fast
- skedaddleDepart hastily, often fearfully
- beat a hasty retreatDepart rapidly under pressure
- dashQuick burst or pinch
took off running · terror · fear · hide · bolt · rush · vamoose · hit the road · hysteria · dread · sanctuary · retreat · escape · escape route · run for cover · stronghold · panic · withdraw
ran for the hillsstood one's ground
Refused to back down
faced the music · took a stand · dug in · stared down · stood tall
ran for the hillsdoubled down
Strengthened a risky position
weathered the storm · persevered · held on · went all in · soldiered on
ran for the hillsadvanced
Far along in development
moved in · closed in · approached · leaned in
runner, runners, hill, hills, hilly, hillside, hilltop, hilliness