take cover
Duck from danger
To take cover is to seek protection from danger, especially by positioning yourself behind something solid or getting to a sheltered location.
The phrase appears in contexts ranging from military combat to storms: Take cover! They're shooting!
We took cover under the overpass when the hail started.
Figuratively, it can mean protecting oneself from criticism or scrutiny.
Military defensive excavation
- bunkerReinforced subterranean stronghold
- trenchLong narrow excavation
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
- fortificationStrengthening defenses or nutrients
artillery · mortar · barrage · sniper · crossfire · ambush · flak · shelling
Reinforced subterranean stronghold
- foxholeMilitary defensive excavation
- trenchLong narrow excavation
- dugoutCarved-log canoe
- caveUnderground hollow in rock
overhang · awning · canopy · lean-to · bivouac · refuge · safe haven · doorway
Conceal or pelt
- camouflageConcealment through visual blending
- crouchLow bent-knee stance
- duckWaterbird that quacks
- stealthSecret, undetected movement
lurk · covert · furtive · low profile · blend in · disappear · invisibility · cloak
Leave due to danger
- escapeFlight from captivity
- fire drillEmergency evacuation practice
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- sirenWailing alert device
warning · tornado drill · air raid · safe room · storm cellar · fallout shelter · lifesaver · rescue
foxhole
Military defensive excavation
- bunkerReinforced subterranean stronghold
- trenchLong narrow excavation
- barricadeObstacle blocking a path
fortification · artillery · mortar · barrage · sniper · crossfire · ambush · flak · shelling · bombardment
bunker
Reinforced subterranean stronghold
cave · overhang · awning · canopy · lean-to · bivouac · refuge · safe haven · doorway · underpass
hide
Conceal or pelt
- camouflageConcealment through visual blending
- crouchLow bent-knee stance
- duckWaterbird that quacks
stealth · lurk · covert · furtive · low profile · blend in · disappear · invisibility · cloak · veil
evacuate
Leave due to danger
- escapeFlight from captivity
- fire drillEmergency evacuation practice
- alarmUrgent warning signal
siren · warning · tornado drill · air raid · safe room · storm cellar · fallout shelter · lifesaver · rescue · first aid
shield
Handheld defensive armor
safeguard · barrier · screen · flak jacket · helmet · bulletproof · fortify · secure · barricade · rampart
- hidinghide, conceal, hole up, hunker down, go underground
- military commandsattention, halt, fall back, advance, attack
- retreat commandsfall back, withdraw, pull back, retreat, back off
- emergency responsefirst responders, emergency services, fire alarm, 911, call 911
- battle criesbattle cry, charge, hooah, banzai, oorah
take coverexpose oneself
Publicly display genitals
break cover · step out · emerge · show oneself · come out