runs for the hills
Retreats in panic
To run for the hills is to flee in panic or retreat hastily from a threatening or undesirable situation.
The image evokes escaping to high ground for safety.
Often used figuratively about avoiding commitment, responsibility, or anything alarming: When she mentioned marriage, he ran for the hills.
Investors ran for the hills when the scandal broke.
- take flightDepart swiftly, often fearfully
- run for coverHurry to protection
- fleeDepart swiftly from threat
- get out of DodgeUrgently leave a dangerous situation
- self-preservationInstinct to survive danger
save one's skin · survival mode · skedaddle · panic · bail out · retreat · dread · bolt · instinct · fight-or-flight · fear response · cowardice · scaredy cat · apprehension · escape · turn tail · abscond · beat a hasty retreat
runs for the hillsstands one's ground
faces the music · digs in · confronts · fights back · steps up
runs for the hillsdoubles down
Increases commitment despite risk
digs in one's heels · perseveres · soldiers on · weathers the storm · commits
runs, running, runner, runners, hill, hills, hilly, hillside, hilltop