turns tail
Bolts in fear
To turn tail is to flee or retreat, especially in a cowardly or hasty manner.
The image is of an animal or person spinning around to run away, presenting their backside to the threat: When the dog charged, the burglar turned tail and ran.
The phrase typically implies abandoning a position or commitment under pressure.
- run for coverHurry to protection
- run for the hillsUrgent retreat to safety
- cut and runAbandon situation hastily
- fleeDepart swiftly from threat
- chicken outWithdraw due to fear
yellow belly · beat a hasty retreat · fear · lose one's nerve · bail out · retreat · cowardice · take flight · panic · run away · beat feet · withdraw · abscond · backpedal · skedaddle · back down · save one's skin · escape
courage and confrontation
turns tailholds fast
faces the music · stands one's ground · digs in · fights back · faces up to
turn, turns, turned, turning, turner, turners, tail, tails, tailed