scurrying away
Rapidly departing in fear
Scurrying away is hurrying off with quick, small movements, suggesting haste driven by fear or urgency.
Small animals scurry away when startled; people scurry away from confrontation or danger.
The phrase emphasizes both the rapidity and the furtive quality of the departure: The mice went scurrying away when I turned on the light.
He went scurrying away before anyone could ask questions.
- hurryMove with urgency
- skitteringMoving with quick, light steps
- dartingMoving suddenly, swiftly
- scramblingMoving clumsily in haste
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
scared stiff · evasion · bolting · dashing · quick escape · predator · fear · running scared · scuttling · retreat · beating a hasty retreat · rustling · flight · mice · scampering · danger · fight or flight · anxiety
scurrying awaystanding ground
Refusing to yield position
standing one's ground · advancing · approaching · staying put · moving in
scurrying awaysauntering
Walking in unhurried manner
strolling · ambling · standing still · plodding · moving slowly
scurrying awayholding firm
Maintaining position resolutely
braving · unflinching · standing tall · asserting oneself · staring down