take to the hills: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘take to the hills’ mean?
The idiom "take to the hills" means to flee or escape from a dangerous or difficult situation by moving to higher ground or more remote areas.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take up the hatchet" means to prepare for a fight or to become aggressive and seek revenge against someone or something.
The idiom "take to the bank" means to consider something as certain or reliable, usually in the context of information or promises that can be trusted and relied upon without any doubt or hesitation.
The idiom "take to one's heels" means to run away or flee from a dangerous or difficult situation, usually out of fear or a desire to escape. It implies a sudden and hasty retreat, indicating a sense of urgency and the need to quickly distance oneself from a threat.
The idiom "take to" means to develop a liking or affinity for something or someone. It refers to one's natural inclination or willingness to engage in or enjoy a particular activity or person.
The idiom "take the plunge" means to take a significant and often risky step or action, especially when committing to something new or unknown.
The idiom "take the game to" means to initiate or increase the level of competition or aggression in a situation or activity.
The idiom "take out" means to remove something or someone from a particular place or situation.
The idiom "take out" has several meanings and uses in American English.
The idiom "take one's leave" means to say goodbye or depart from a place or a person.
The idiom "take one's hook" means to leave or depart, often in a sneaky or secretive manner. It conveys the idea of someone quietly removing themselves from a situation or place.
"Take flight" is an idiom that means to leave or escape from a situation or place rapidly, usually out of fear, danger, or a desire to avoid something unpleasant.
Escaping the Urban Jungle
The idiom "take to the hills" is a commonly used phrase in English that means to flee or escape from a dangerous or troublesome situation. It signifies seeking refuge or safety in a remote or less accessible location, such as the hills or mountains. The exact origins of this idiom are unclear, but it is believed to have derived from the practice of seeking higher, more secluded areas during times of conflict or danger. People often considered the hills or mountains as places of safety and concealment.
The idiom "take to the hills" is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it refers to physically retreating to the hills or mountains for protection. Figuratively, it is used to express the act of avoiding or running away from a threatening or troublesome situation. Other similar expressions with similar meanings include "head for the hills" and "run for the hills," which also convey the concept of escaping to a safer location.
When confronted with danger, humans have an instinctual desire to seek safety and refuge. The idiom "take to the hills" captures this primal instinct by symbolizing the act of fleeing from a troublesome situation and finding solace in remote or inaccessible locations. Whether used literally or figuratively, this idiom speaks to our innate need for self-preservation and the timeless human quest for security and protection in the face of adversity.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "take to the hills" can be used in a sentence are:
- When they heard the noise of sirens, the villagers took to the hills to seek safety.
- The protesters decided to take to the hills to avoid confrontation with the authorities.
- Feeling overwhelmed by the city, Sarah longed to take to the hills and reconnect with nature.
More "Escape" idioms
