turn tail: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘turn tail’ mean?
"Turn tail" is an idiom that means to suddenly run away or flee from a challenging or dangerous situation out of fear or cowardice.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "turn the tide" means to change the course or direction of a situation, typically in a positive way, especially when it seemed to be going against someone or something.
The idiom "turn the tide" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is often used metaphorically to describe a situation where a significant change occurs, leading to a reversal of fortune or a shift in momentum.
The idiom "turn the corner" means to start making progress or improving after a difficult or challenging situation.
The idiom "turn the boat" means to change direction or alter one's course, often in response to new information or circumstances. It implies a willingness to adapt or make adjustments in order to achieve a desired outcome or navigate through challenges.
The idiom "turn on one's heel" means to abruptly and decisively change direction, often in a gesture of annoyance or indignation.
The idiom "turn one's coat" means to switch sides or change one's allegiance for personal gain or advantage.
The idiom "turn one's coat" is a commonly used phrase in English language, often used to describe the act of changing one's loyalty or allegiance for personal gain. The phrase originated from the practice of changing coats or outer garments which were often associated with different factions, ideologies, or social groups.
The idiom "turn one's back" means to purposely ignore, reject, or abandon someone or something. It implies a deliberate act of disengagement or disapproval.
The idiom "turn one's back" is a common expression used in the English language. It is often used to describe someone who is physically or metaphorically turning away from a situation, person, or responsibility.
When used as an idiom, "turn around" means to change direction, to reverse a situation, or to make a significant improvement in a short amount of time.
The idiom "turn a hair" means to show no sign of fear, surprise, or concern in a difficult or risky situation.
The idiom "turn a hair" is used to express a lack of emotional reaction or surprise in a given situation. This phrase reflects a sudden change in direction or movement and a hair on one's body. It is often used in negative sentences to indicate that someone remained calm or unaffected by something that would typically cause a reaction.
The idiom "turn a corner" means to make progress or experience a positive change, especially after a difficult or challenging period.
The idiom "turn a corner" is a commonly used expression in the English language, typically conveying the idea of making progress, overcoming difficulties, or experiencing a positive change in a situation. It is a metaphorical phrase that has its roots in physical movement and spatial orientation.
Unmasking Cowardice
The idiom "turn tail" has a figurative meaning that refers to someone turning and fleeing or retreating from a situation. The phrase is derived from the behavior of certain animals, such as dogs and cats, who instinctively turn their tails and run away when they feel threatened or scared. One possible origin of the idiom can be traced back to medieval hunting practices, where dogs would turn their tails and flee if the prey turned around and faced them. Another possible origin comes from military tactics, where soldiers may be ordered to "turn tail" and retreat from the battlefield. The idiom is widely used in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone who quickly changes their stance or abandons a position when faced with opposition or adversity.
The idiom "turn tail" is closely related to other expressions that convey a similar meaning, such as "take a turn," "turn around," "take to one's heels," "turn on one's heel," and "take flight." While these idioms may vary slightly in their connotations or usage, they share a common theme of fleeing or escaping from a challenging or threatening situation.
The idiom "take a turn" is another expression that refers to a change in direction or course of action. It can be used in various contexts, such as when someone decides to take a different approach to solving a problem or when a situation unexpectedly changes. In relation to "turn tail," "take a turn" can suggest that someone quickly changes their stance or retreats from a situation when faced with opposition or adversity.
The phrase "turn around" is yet another idiom that is closely related to "turn tail." It means to reverse a decision or change one's direction. When someone "turns around," they are essentially retreating or backing away from a previous course of action. In the context of "turn tail," "turn around" can be used to describe someone who quickly reverses their decision or abandons a position when faced with opposition or adversity.
"Take to one's heels" is an idiom that means to run away quickly or escape from a situation. It can be used to describe a sudden and rapid retreat from danger or adversity. In relation to "turn tail," "take to one's heels" suggests a similar sense of fleeing or escaping from a challenging or threatening situation.
"Turn on one's heel" is yet another idiom that is closely related to "turn tail." It means to quickly change one's position or direction, often in response to a situation or command. In the context of "turn tail," "turn on one's heel" can be used to describe someone who abruptly changes their stance or decision when faced with opposition or adversity.
"Take flight" is an idiom that means to flee or run away from a situation. It is often used to describe a sudden and hasty retreat from danger or adversity. In relation to "turn tail," "take flight" suggests a similar sense of quickly turning and fleeing or retreating from a challenging or threatening situation.
The idiom "turn tail" has a straightforward and widely recognized meaning in the English language. Its origins can be attributed to both animal behavior and military tactics, highlighting the universal instinct to retreat when faced with danger or opposition. This idiom is commonly used in various contexts, representing a quick reversal or abandonment of a position or decision. While the phrase may carry a negative connotation of cowardice, it also acknowledges the practical need for self-preservation. Overall, the idiom "turn tail" serves as a vivid and expressive metaphor, capturing the complex dynamics of human behavior in the face of challenges.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "turn tail" can be used in a sentence:
- When the dog saw the approaching thunderstorm, it turned tail and ran back inside the house.
- After realizing she was lost in the woods, Jane turned tail and retraced her steps to find her way back.
- As soon as the boxer felt his opponent's punch, he turned tail and tried to escape the ring.
The idiom "turn tail" is typically used to describe the act of quickly and abruptly fleeing or retreating from a situation. It often implies a sense of fear, avoidance, or surrender. The phrase is commonly associated with animals, particularly when they instinctively run away from danger. However, it can also be applied to human behavior, indicating a sudden change of direction or retreat in response to perceived threats or challenges.
More "Animal" idioms
