run for cover
Dash to safety
To run for cover is to seek protection from danger, whether literal or figurative.
The expression originally describes finding physical shelter from gunfire, explosions, or severe weather: When the shooting started, everyone ran for cover.
More often now it appears in figurative contexts where someone retreats to avoid criticism, controversy, or blame: After the scandal broke, the CEO's allies ran for cover.
The phrase suggests urgent, self-preserving retreat.
- danger zoneHigh-risk location
- regroupReassemble after dispersal
- withdrawRemove or pull away
- hedgeBoundary of planted shrubs
- hideConceal or pelt
lay low · flee · head for the hills · sidestep · insure · retreat · shelter · bunker · duck · scatter · diversify · deflect · camouflage · barricade · evade · conceal · escape · dodge
run for coverstand your ground
Refuse to back down
stay put · stand still · stand firm · weather the storm · tough it out
run for coverhold the line
Maintain current position
advance · charge · counterattack · attack · confront
run for coveremerge
Come out into view
expose oneself · come forward · break cover · come out · approach
cover, runs, running, runner, runners, overrun, covers, covered, covering