turn tail

turn tail {v. phr.}, {informal}

To run away from trouble or danger.

When the bully saw my big brother, he turned tail and ran.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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tail

[tail] See: [COW'S TAIL], [HEADS I WIN], [TAILS YOU LOSE], [MAKE HEAD OR TAIL OF], [TURN TAIL]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

cow's tail

[cow's tail] {n.}, {dialect} A person who is behind others. * /John was the cow's tail at the exam./ * /Fred was always the old cow's tail for football practice./ […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

make head or tail of

[make head or tail of] {v. phr.}, {informal} To see the why of; finding a meaning in; understand. - Used in negative, conditional, and interrogative sentences. * /She could not […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

turn on one's heel

[turn on one's heel] {v. phr.} To turn around suddenly. * /When John saw Fred approaching him, he turned on his heel./ * /When little Tommy's big brother showed up, […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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