runs scared
Retreats in terror
Runs scared describes acting out of fear or anxiety, especially when threatened by competition or consequences.
A politician runs scared when facing a tough reelection, campaigning as if defeat is imminent.
The phrase suggests motivated, defensive behavior—not paralysis but urgent action driven by worry: The whole team is running scared after last week's loss.
- terrifiedExtremely frightened
- coweringShrinking in fear
- tail between legsSign of humiliation
- fleeingRapid escape from danger
- fearfulFull of fright
cold feet · bolting · retreating · escaping · dodging · panic · fight or flight · hiding · danger · cowardice · sprinting · backing down · risk · trembling · chickening out · anxiety · recoiling · yellow-bellied
runs scaredconfronts
Addresses a problem directly
fights back · stands tall · digs in · takes on · stares down
runs scaredholds steady
runs scareddominates
Exerts supreme control
intimidates · bullies · takes charge · turns the tables · pushes back
run, runs, running, runner, runners, runny, overrun, outrun, rerun